(Photo: WFO San Angelo)
(July 1, 2008) -- San Angelo Colts fans were treated to some man-made lightning displays during a baseball game with Amarillo Dillas on June 26. The Concho Valley Electric Coop provided live arcing demonstrations to show what electricity can do to various items such as hot dogs, baseball caps, tree limbs and baseball bats.
Working in conjunction with the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office in San Angelo, the city, American Red Cross and Tom Green County Emergency Management, the Coop's demonstrations were part of a team effort to promote national Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 22-28).
During the demonstrations, San Angelo Warning Coordination Meteorologist Hector Guerrero discussed lightning safety with the fans while emergency management officials and American Red Cross volunteers distributed brochures. The Concho Valley Electric Coop also gave away All Hazards NOAA Weather Radios during each inning of the game. National Weather Service employees passed out magnets and the "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!" stickers to fans. Guerrero also had the honor of throwing out the first pitch of the game.
On average, 62 people die every year from lightning strikes, with hundreds of additional injuries reported. Although Florida leads the nation in the average number of lightning strikes per square mile, lightning strikes occur in all states. While most people struck by lightning are outside, lightning can also strike you inside your home if you're not careful. An estimated 25 million lightning flashes occur in the United States every year -- and each flash is a potential killer.
The National Weather Service wants you to know how to keep yourself safe during thunderstorms. To help keep you and your family safe, please visit: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov for useful safety tips and education resources such as posters, coloring pages and games.
(Photo: WFO San Angelo)
(Photo: WFO San Angelo)