13. The Intense Lightning Activity
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Although many thunderstorms involve lightning, an exceptional rise in lightning frequency or intensity can point to a strengthening storm that might generate a tornado. For individuals who are weather-aware, this increased electrical activity is sometimes seen in the run-up to tornado formation and can act as still another natural warning indicator. In a tornadic thunderstorm, lightning strikes so often that the sky appears to be always lit, virtually always flickering. Strong updrafts and turbulent mixing of air inside the storm produce the charge separation required for lightning to strike, thereby generating this great intensity of lightning activity. Especially interesting are cloud-to- ground lightning strikes, particularly if their frequency seems to be rising. Although the scientific explanation for this is yet unknown, several viewers have seen bluish-green lightning in tornadic storms. Though it can be a sign of a strong storm with tornadic potential, powerful lighting does not ensure that a tornado will develop. Still, it ought to definitely make you very aware. If you witness very frequent or severe lightning, particularly in relation to other warning signals like strong winds or a revolving cloud base, you should keep close observation and be ready to hide. Lightning itself is quite dangerous, hence if you are near enough to see this strong activity, you should already be indoors or in a safe area. As lightning can pass through these systems, stay away from windows and avoid using plumbing fixtures or corded electrical appliances. Remember always that your safety comes first; if in doubt, it's preferable to err on the side of caution and hide.
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