25 Popular Facts That Are Actually False

Never twice does lightning strike the same location.

Lightning Can Strike Twice
The idea that lightning never strikes the same place twice is a comforting thought, but it’s entirely false. In fact, lightning often strikes the same location multiple times, especially if that location is tall, isolated, or made of conductive material. For example, the Empire State Building in New York City is struck by lightning an average of 23 times per year. This occurs because tall structures act as lightning rods, attracting electrical discharges from thunderstorms. The same principle applies to trees, mountains, and even people standing in open fields. The myth likely emerged from the rarity of individuals being struck by lightning more than once, but this has more to do with probability than the behavior of lightning itself. Understanding this reality is crucial for safety during storms—seeking shelter in a sturdy building or car is always the best way to avoid being struck, whether it’s the first or fifth time lightning hits the same spot.

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