I.  Below are the stages in the formation and execution of a lightening strike. (They are already in order.)

1. Water vapor rises from the Earth and condenses to form clouds
2. Clouds rise to an elevation that is VERY cold (below 0 degrees Celsius/freezing); that causes ice crystals and ice balls to form
3. The ice crystals and ice balls rub and cause charges (positive and negative) to separate; negative electrons builds up on the bigger ice balls while the smaller ice crystals loose electrons.
4. The positive charge within the cloud rises.
5. A spark occurs within the cloud.
6. A step leader rushes from the cloud and toward the ground, but does not quite reach the ground; as the negative step leader gets near the ground, it exerts an electric force on the ground (i.e., it pulls on the charge in the Earth).
7. Objects that are higher (trees, telephone poles, etc.) launch a positive streamer of charge toward the step leader.
8. The positive streamer from the ground and the negative step leader from the cloud meet.
9. The step leader drains to the Earth and negative charge moves up from the ground to the cloud.

• squat down w/ your feet together
• get in a low area or ditch
• get in a car that is not moving

• activities in an open area such as golf
• using plumbing such as using the shower, toilet, or sink
• swimming or boating
• talking on the phone
• standing/playing in high areas like on hills
• standing next to any high objects

• lightening can jump from the tree to you!!
• as the sap is suddenly heated, the bark can explode and hit you like lots of bullets (shrapnel)
• falling branches may strike you