How this phenomenon affects electric utilities

BY JIM SIEBERT, FOX 26 Chief Meteorologist

Advances in technology are helping scientists understand lightning in ways that were not possible a few years ago. Beforehand, meteorologists primarily studied lightning, focusing most of their efforts on explaining why and how this phenomenon occurs. However, geologists and other earth scientists have joined in the study of unraveling lightning mysteries. A new understanding of why lightning strikes locations is starting to emerge.

The key to this understanding is the ability to measure distinctive attributes. When combined with geological knowledge, recent meteorological instrumentation advances are improving the ability to detect and measure lightning, explaining mysteries, dispelling old myths, and affecting multiple industries. The developments are quite literally—shocking.