QuickCheck: Is it true that lightning never strikes the same place twice?

THE phrase “lightning never strikes the same place twice” means that the same bad incident is unlikely to happen again. But is it factually true that lightning doesn’t hit the same spot again?

Verdict:

FALSE

Unfortunately, lightning can strike the same place again, literally.

This is especially true if the spot is a tall and isolated object, based on information from the USA’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"For example, the Empire State Building (in New York City) is hit about 25 times per year," read an explanation on the agency’s website.

Another myth is that crouching down will lower your chances of being hit by lightning.

"If you are stuck outside during a storm, keep moving towards a safe shelter," the NOAA said.

But such a safe shelter isn’t underneath or near a tree - it is the second most dangerous place to be during a thunderstorm.

The riskiest is being outside in an open space.

Instead, the safest place is inside an enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, said the NOAA.

Also, if someone gets struck by lightning, it is not true that you can be electrocuted if you touch the person.

"The human body does not store electricity. If you are able to, you should give a lightning victim first aid or immediately call for help," read the text in the website.

Reference:

1. https://www.noaa.gov/stories/5-striking-facts-versus-myths-about-lightning-you-should-know