We often hear that lightning never strikes twice in the same placeThis expression has entered into everyday language, but from a scientific point of view, it is totally false.
Why does lightning strike the same place multiple times?
Lightning always seeks the shortest and most conductor path to the ground. If a point offers these conditions — like a metal tower, A telecommunications pylon or a lightning rod — he becomes a natural target.
- 🗼 TheEmpire State Building in New York is hit about 20 to 25 times a year.
- 🗼 The Eiffel Tower is struck by lightning about ten times each year.
- 🌳 Even a isolated tree in a field can be hit several times during its life.
How does this happen?
During a thunderstorm, an intense electric field forms between the clouds and the ground. A tall structure acts as a anchor point for discharge. If it has been struck once, it 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 a ancient metaphor : it meant that a misfortune does not happen twice. But in fact, modern detection networks like LPS MANAGER, LPS France And StrikeRadar clearly show that repeated impacts are frequent.
How to protect yourself effectively?
It is to avoid damage from multiple strikes that the lightning protection systems. THE lightning rods with early streamer emission device (ESE) like the Paraton@ir® of LPS France allow:
- ofanticipate the triggering of lightning,
- of channel the current to the ground safely,
- and of withstand multiple impacts without degradation.
Thanks to LPS MANAGER, it is even possible to monitor impacts in real time, to receive automatic alerts and plan a preventive maintenance after every storm.
In summary
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Lightning never strikes twice in the same place. | It can hit the same point multiple times, and it happens frequently! |
Conclusion
No, lightning doesn't choose its targets just once. It strikes where physics takes it, over and over again. So it's best to bet on science only on luck!
To protect your infrastructure sustainably, discover the complete solutions from LPS France and their digital tools like LPS MANAGER.