Tucked away on a rain-soaked coastal hillside, Martin Williams watched as the sky above Sponge Bay grew increasingly dark. Little did he know that this day in 2014 would change his life forever. Williams, a fisheries officer, and his colleague were surveilling a group of divers who had headed out into the stormy weather, suspecting illegal activity. As the lightning strikes became more frequent, Williams and his colleague wondered why the divers hadn't returned.
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Suddenly, a bolt of lightning came crashing down into the bay, followed by an immense, cracking boom. Williams felt an immense force and heard a voice in his head - he had been struck by lightning. The world around him seemed to slow down, and he felt a tingling sensation throughout his body, as if ants were crawling all over him. Miraculously, he and his colleague survived with minimal injuries.
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The Science Behind Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes approximately 190,000 times a year in New Zealand, making it a lightning-prone country. Driven by massive electrical charges in thunderclouds, lightning is essentially a giant spark. As the charge builds up within the storm clouds, it seeks the easiest path to the ground to neutralize itself. This path often includes high points such as church steeples, power lines, and unfortunately, sometimes humans.
There are two types of lightning strikes: negatively charged lightning, which tends to be straight down and commonly encountered during thunderstorms, and positively charged lightning, termed 'bolts from the blue.' Positive lightning has a higher chance of striking the highest object in the area, even from several kilometers away.
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The Effects of a Lightning Strike
A direct lightning strike can be lethal, causing cardiac arrest in approximately 75% of cases. However, many lightning strikes are indirect and result in a range of symptoms. Skin markings, including burn marks and peculiar red, raised patterns known as Lichtenberg figures, are often observed in lightning strike victims. The intense electrical voltage can also cause ear drum ruptures, dislocated shoulders, and temporary or permanent damage to sensitive organs like the eyes.
While lightning strike victims often experience temporary stroke-like symptoms and confusion, most of these effects subside relatively quickly. However, the psychological impact should not be underestimated, especially for those who have experienced significant strikes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does lightning strike in New Zealand?
A: Lightning strikes about 190,000 times a year in New Zealand, averaging one strike every 167 seconds.
Q: What are Lichtenberg figures?
A: Lichtenberg figures are peculiar red, raised patterns that can appear on a lightning strike victim's body due to electromagnetic interactions with skin moisture.
Q: Can lightning cause long-term damage?
A: While most lightning strike effects are temporary, some victims may experience lasting damage, such as cataracts, tinnitus, and psychological trauma.
Q: Are lightning strikes common in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand has a relatively low lightning rate compared to other parts of the world, with lightning strikes being more frequent in the North Island and the West Coast of the South Island.
Q: How can lightning affect cows?
A: Cows are more prone to lightning shocks than humans due to their long bodies. The voltage difference between their forelegs and back legs can disrupt the cow's heart, potentially leading to severe injury or death.
Q: What precautions should be taken during a thunderstorm?
A: During a thunderstorm, it is safest to take cover indoors and avoid being the highest object in the area. Putting your feet together can help reduce the voltage difference and minimize the risk of a lightning strike.
Martin Williams and his colleague were fortunate to survive their lightning strike experience with minimal harm. However, their story serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature's forces. So, the next time you see stormy weather, exercise caution and take shelter to stay safe from the wrath of lightning.
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