I like lightning. It’s fun to watch. The sight of lightning bolts lighting up the night sky has impressed me since my childhood. But the tremendous power produced by a lightning strike is often underestimated. That is, until it hits close to home.
The Moody County Sheriff’s office recently released a story that serves as a strong reminder of what lightning can do.
The incident took place somewhere in McCook County, South Dakota recently. Reports state that 21 head of cattle that were feeding at a metal bale feeder were hit with one bolt of lightning. The strike killed them all. That is about $45,000 worth of loss.
This South Dakota rancher knows the deadly – and costly – power of a lightning strike.
The incident serves as a good reminder that summer thunderstorms can be brutal. If you start to see
These deer were standing in a wet field when lightning struck and killed the whole herd.
lightning and hear thunder you need to get out of the open. Get off the lakes, off the golf course, and into a
safer place. And if you haven’t heard it before, never stand under a tree in the wide open for shelter from lightning.
There are a number weather apps available to help keep you informed on the weather in your neck of the woods. Stay safe this summer. Be aware of your surroundings and what the weather is calling for before it pops up where you are.
