It is often said that lightning never strikes the same place twice . This expression has entered common parlance, but from a scientific point of view, it is completely false .
Why does lightning strike the same place multiple times?
Lightning always seeks the shortest and most conductive path to the ground . If a point offers these conditions — such as a metal tower , a telecommunications tower or a lightning rod — it becomes a natural target .
- 🗼 The Empire State Building in New York is struck approximately 20 to 25 times a year.
- 🗼 The Eiffel Tower is struck by lightning about ten times each year.
- 🌳 Even a lone tree in a field can be struck several times during its lifetime.
How does this happen?
During a thunderstorm, an intense electric field forms between the clouds and the ground. A tall structure acts as a point of contact for the discharge. If it has been struck once, this simply proves that it is an excellent conductor—and therefore likely to be so again.
Where does this misconception come from?
The expression comes from an old metaphor : it meant that misfortune doesn't happen twice. But in reality, modern detection networks like LPS MANAGER , LPS France , and StrikeRadar clearly show that repeated impacts are frequent .
How to protect yourself effectively?
Lightning protection systems exist to prevent damage from multiple lightning strikes . Early streamer emission (ESE) lightning rods, such as the Paraton@ir from LPS LPS France allow for:
- to anticipate the onset of lightning,
- to safely channel
- and to withstand multiple impacts without degradation.
Thanks to LPS MANAGER , it is even possible to monitor impacts in real time , receive automatic alerts and plan preventive maintenance after each storm.
In summary
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Lightning never strikes the same place twice. | She can hit the same spot multiple times, and that's common! |
Conclusion
No, lightning doesn't choose its targets only once. It strikes where physics dictates, again and again. So it's better to rely on science than on luck!
To protect your infrastructure in the long term, discover the complete solutions of LPS France and their digital tools such as LPS MANAGER .