NationStates Jolt Archive


Lightning storm over my place right now

Demented Hamsters
09-08-2006, 18:22
not a great photo, I know, but it's the first pic I've ever managed to take of an actual lightning strike.
Makes me wish I had a decent camera.
http://img432.imageshack.us/img432/3084/lightning1hb6.jpg
It's hitting one of the power station chimneys, btw.
The thunder made the windows rattle. The station is about 15 minutes walk away.
Deep Kimchi
09-08-2006, 18:24
So, my zero point energy projector is working....

heh... heh... heh...
Farnhamia
09-08-2006, 18:25
I was forbidden access. :confused:

Congrats on post #5555, though. :p
Antikythera
09-08-2006, 18:27
the picture link does not work :(
The Gate Builders
09-08-2006, 18:28
LIGHTNING WILL EAT YOUR INTERNETS

Rly.
Demented Hamsters
09-08-2006, 18:29
What about now?
Deep Kimchi
09-08-2006, 18:31
What about now?
Thank you for the picture.

I will now adjust the device for a more precise hit on your house.
Tactical Grace
09-08-2006, 18:52
LIGHTNING WILL EAT YOUR INTERNETS

Rly.
Yep. Perhaps you should consider switching off your PC and unplugging it, especially the modem?
Farnhamia
09-08-2006, 19:00
Very cool. And purple. Well done. If it ever rained here, I'd go out with my camera.
Philosopy
09-08-2006, 19:14
Yep. Perhaps you should consider switching off your PC and unplugging it, especially the modem?
Is that really necessary? I've always assumed that if it there were a really bad surge the fuse would protect things. Isn't that what they're for?

I am well aware that I haven't a clue about electronics.
Deep Kimchi
09-08-2006, 19:16
Is that really necessary? I've always assumed that if it there were a really bad surge the fuse would protect things. Isn't that what they're for?

I am well aware that I haven't a clue about electronics.

In the case of lightning, no.

While you can put a lightning arrestor on your electrical mains that may provide a fast enough response to protect from lightning coming down the power line, it doesn't do anything for the phone line or ethernet cable.

Additionally, a close strike can induce currents in the machine itself. Even if it's off.
Philosopy
09-08-2006, 19:20
In the case of lightning, no.

While you can put a lightning arrestor on your electrical mains that may provide a fast enough response to protect from lightning coming down the power line, it doesn't do anything for the phone line or ethernet cable.

Additionally, a close strike can induce currents in the machine itself. Even if it's off.
I hate lightening. It's not exactly something I'm proud to admit, but it turns me into a gibbering wreck. I've been like it since a huge storm we had here a few years ago that was right overhead; it was the only time I can remember truly being convinced I was about to die.
Kyronea
09-08-2006, 19:27
We've been having an excessive number of thunder-storms over the past couple months. We even had a period during that for about one week where it was storming CONSTANTLY. And just last night the power was knocked out--again--for about two hours while artillary blast after dynamite blast of thunder boomed and shook the house. Our dog was so frightened, she literally curled up next to me in my bed. She never does that kind of thing either. =/
Deep Kimchi
09-08-2006, 19:27
I hate lightening. It's not exactly something I'm proud to admit, but it turns me into a gibbering wreck. I've been like it since a huge storm we had here a few years ago that was right overhead; it was the only time I can remember truly being convinced I was about to die.

Well, I don't know anyone who says, "Hey, I would love for lightning to strike a few meters from where I'm standing."

Plenty of people like to stay well indoors when there's a risk of lightning.
The Vuhifellian States
09-08-2006, 20:01
I'd actually love to see a thunderstorm pass by here, it's been too dry lately here in Jersey.

And, just for the record, are you guys saying that a nearby lightning strike (there's a hydro station in the next town over) could **** up my laptop and modem, even if it's off?
Tactical Grace
09-08-2006, 20:19
And, just for the record, are you guys saying that a nearby lightning strike (there's a hydro station in the next town over) could **** up my laptop and modem, even if it's off?
No, but a hundred metres away, yes.

Also, phone lines are not surge protected. Something to bear in mind.
Baked squirrels
09-08-2006, 21:35
Well, I don't know anyone who says, "Hey, I would love for lightning to strike a few meters from where I'm standing."

Plenty of people like to stay well indoors when there's a risk of lightning.

my neighbor watches storms in his garage with the door and windows all open, even tornadoes
Deep Kimchi
09-08-2006, 21:43
my neighbor watches storms in his garage with the door and windows all open, even tornadoes
I bet if lightning struck a few meters away, and fried his hair, he would be more careful.
Darknovae
09-08-2006, 23:58
I hate lighning too. I hate it. Back in May I started to get over my fear of storms and then WHAM! Lightning hits the house behind mine. :mad: Grr... I'm afraid of storms all over again. At band camp there was a storm building up just south of us, and we saw lightning and I jumped about a mile. Not cool.

Ironically, at that time we were setting drill to a song about a thunderstorm... :eek:

Lightning <---- :mp5: :mp5: :mad: :eek: :eek: :gundge:
Darknovae
10-08-2006, 00:00
No, but a hundred metres away, yes.

Also, phone lines are not surge protected. Something to bear in mind.

Something I found out last summer too. :mad: Lightning screwed up every phone line in my house.
Mooseica
10-08-2006, 00:50
My family, including myself, are keen fell walkers, and every year we go hiking in the Lakeland fells. I still remember the swiftest descent we ever made - aside from this one time in bucketing rain when my mum slipped, took me and brother and sent us sliding fifty feet down a mountainside before fetching up on a boulder... and the time we sledged a thousand feet of snow on our waterproof trousers - ok, the swiftest descent we've ever made on foot rather than backside, was off the summit of Dove Crag, probably about seven hundred feet I shoulda thought, down to the hause in the middle of a lightning storm.

Remember, mountaintops and lightning storms are not friends.

Of course, we might as well have not bothered - the massive hail storm that followed just after probably hurt more than a lightning strike.

This was in midsummer, incidentally.


/Rambling, barely relevant story.
Dinaverg
10-08-2006, 00:54
Pff. Lightning is awesome. I love electricity, whee! That's why my event is Cicuit Lab (b^_^)b.
Demented Hamsters
10-08-2006, 05:01
my neighbor watches storms in his garage with the door and windows all open, even tornadoes
Hey, I was standing out on my balcony most of last night watching it. And it was close enough that there was no time lag between lightning and thunder.
It was cool.

I did that with the Typhoon that passed near here last week too.
That was also cool.
Dhurkdhurkastan
10-08-2006, 05:26
Lightning is awesome! Me and my dad were driving to NC and a lightning bolt hit the ground ~20ft away from us! I wish i had a camera!
Baked squirrels
10-08-2006, 05:59
Hey, I was standing out on my balcony most of last night watching it. And it was close enough that there was no time lag between lightning and thunder.
It was cool.

I did that with the Typhoon that passed near here last week too.
That was also cool.

I'll admit it's enjoyable to watch, but I wouldn't risk watching it outside
Kothuwania
10-08-2006, 08:09
I'll admit it's enjoyable to watch, but I wouldn't risk watching it outside

Seconded. My dad is crazy- alwats going outside to videotape storms and edit out the space between strikes afterwards.

/
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/
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:eek:
Hobovillia
10-08-2006, 10:29
Well, I don't know anyone who says, "Hey, I would love for lightning to strike a few meters from where I'm standing."

Plenty of people like to stay well indoors when there's a risk of lightning.

It was freaky when it happened at a Folk Music festival I was at. A few other people and myself (it was like 2am) when into a Marquee. Then we remember the entire frame was iron:P
Dinaverg
10-08-2006, 10:40
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/Dragonkirby/Non-Kirby/Bunnies/LightningBunny.png
Not_utopia
10-08-2006, 10:50
Ww had a strike on the power line going up to out house. it struck about a thousand meters awwoay but the suger it created damaged a step down transformer on a pole in our garden. it exploded the next day and we had no power for 2 1/2 days.
Soviestan
10-08-2006, 12:32
not a great photo, I know, but it's the first pic I've ever managed to take of an actual lightning strike.
Makes me wish I had a decent camera.
http://img432.imageshack.us/img432/3084/lightning1hb6.jpg
It's hitting one of the power station chimneys, btw.
The thunder made the windows rattle. The station is about 15 minutes walk away.
Thats cool. Where are you right now?
Hamilay
10-08-2006, 12:33
I hate lightning. It killed my last computer :( You shall be sorely missed, old friend.
Demented Hamsters
10-08-2006, 13:44
Thats cool. Where are you right now?
At home.
Why do you ask?
Soviestan
10-08-2006, 14:01
At home.
Why do you ask?
which is where in planet earth? I'm just wondering if we are in the same country right now or not.
Demented Hamsters
10-08-2006, 14:03
which is where in planet earth? I'm just wondering if we are in the same country right now or not.
I'm not going to tell you, until you finally say where in China you are! :p
Soviestan
10-08-2006, 14:05
I'm not going to tell you, until you finally say where in China you are! :p
:p alright fine you win. Im in Jiangxi. Now your turn
Demented Hamsters
10-08-2006, 14:10
:p alright fine you win. Im in Jiangxi. Now your turn
Finally I know where to send the PLA!! ;)

I'm in Hong Kong, so not too far away.
Jeruselem
10-08-2006, 14:14
I live the part of Australia with most lightning strikes, but only during the rainy season thank goodness. It's the lightning-free non-rainy season at the moment.
Soviestan
10-08-2006, 14:18
Finally I know where to send the PLA!! ;)

I'm in Hong Kong, so not too far away.
not too far away at all. We just missed that big typhoon thats coming through a little north I believe. How is Hong Kong? Im thinking of heading down there if I can find some free time which I doubt. I've only been to Beijing and where I am now.

The only thing I don't like about this place is that the only time I have available to post here is when most the people aren't on and the board is very quiet:p But other than that, its a great place. I have certainly gotten past the cultural shock phase and could stay here for forever if they'd let me. And I dont need you sending anyone anywhere:p
Outcast Jesuits
10-08-2006, 14:20
mmm...I like lightning...gimme!
Rubiconic Crossings
10-08-2006, 14:23
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/vonbek/whichisyourfavoritesunset1.jpg
Jeruselem
10-08-2006, 14:24
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/vonbek/whichisyourfavoritesunset1.jpg

That one's scary. It's like some dragon ...
Outcast Jesuits
10-08-2006, 14:25
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/vonbek/whichisyourfavoritesunset1.jpg
Pretty, pretty lightning!
We never have lightning like that around here except during hurricane season...and even then it's once in a blue moon. Too far inland.
Demented Hamsters
10-08-2006, 14:29
not too far away at all. We just missed that big typhoon thats coming through a little north I believe. How is Hong Kong? Im thinking of heading down there if I can find some free time which I doubt. I've only been to Beijing and where I am now.

The only thing I don't like about this place is that the only time I have available to post here is when most the people aren't on and the board is very quiet:p But other than that, its a great place. I have certainly gotten past the cultural shock phase and could stay here for forever if they'd let me. And I dont need you sending anyone anywhere:p
HK is worth it if you have the time. It's an amazing place, quite different to anywhere else in China.
I'd suggest while you're in China to check out Guilin (google it - it's the next province over from you, so not too far) - amazing scenery - and Shanghai, which is a great city to visit (food is bloody nice too). If you do go to Shanghai, get on a tour that takes you to the silk factories. They're interesting in themselves, but mainly the silk stuff they sell is unbelievably cheap (well, cheap for pure silk).
I'm still kicking myself over having not bought more. There was a Bedding set there (Silk quilt, pillow cases, quilt cover, sheets) for 2000RMB. I hestitated over the price and just bought the quilt.
I recently saw the exact same one here in HK for $10000HK (slightly more than 10K RMB).
I had no idea those things were so expensive!
The Vuhifellian States
10-08-2006, 23:57
Yayz, lightningstorm is passing over my town as I type, and the temperature for tomorrow will probably drop by 20 F.

But dammit, did it have to appear while I was getting groceries!?
Pure Metal
11-08-2006, 00:24
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/vonbek/whichisyourfavoritesunset1.jpg
awesome, but it looks photoshopped. techincally, too... how would you get the sunset so dark and full of colour considering how much the lightning is lighting up the clouds on the right side of the image, especially considering the long exposure needed to get all those forks? sideways polarised ND filter? bah, i give up... still cool though :)
(edit: i also can't quite believe that picture could have been taken with any form of non-grainy slow film or on low digital ISO... its too clean. hmm)


got some pics of an electrical storm that passed over us a week or so ago:

http://www.hlj.me.uk/pics/lightning/Lightning%20storm%20260706%20155.jpg

http://www.hlj.me.uk/pics/lightning/Lightning%20storm%20260706%20107.jpg

http://www.hlj.me.uk/pics/lightning/Lightning%20storm%20260706%20030.jpg

:)
Kothuwania
11-08-2006, 07:38
But dammit, did it have to appear while I was getting groceries!?

It was waiting for you to go outside.

:gundge:

:eek: