Powerful lightning measuring 120 kA strikes Vizag on Monday night
Thunderstorm activity lasted across the city for about 40 minutes
By - Sri Lakshmi Muttevi
Visakhapatnam: Powerful lightning measuring 120 kA struck the city on the night of September 29.
According to Andhra Pradesh weatherman Praneeth, this could be the most powerful lightning strike of the year that hit the Vizag airport area on Monday night. Thunderstorm activity lasted across the city for about 40 minutes.
On Tuesday, the Upper Air Circulation (UAC) is expected to trigger heavy thunderstorms and rains over all North Andhra Pradesh districts and the Godavari districts during the afternoon and evening. Parts of Guntur, Krishna, NTR Vijayawada, Palnadu, and Bapatla may also receive thunderstorms and rain in the same period. Other regions of the state are likely to get scattered rains. Visakhapatnam city is expected to see heavy thunderstorms and rain by evening and night.
The Indian Meteorological Department, Amaravati, has issued a yellow alert. Light thunderstorm with lightning, gusty winds at 30-40 kmph, and light rainfall are likely at one or two places in Alluri Seetharama Raju and Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema districts.
Precautions to follow during a lightning strike:
When Outdoors :
Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building or inside a car with windows closed.
Avoid open areas like fields, beaches, and hilltops.
Stay away from tall objects (trees, poles, towers) that can attract lightning.
Do not hold metal objects like umbrellas, rods, or tools.
Avoid water bodies (rivers, lakes, swimming pools).
When Indoors :
Stay away from windows, doors, and balconies.
Unplug electrical appliances to protect from power surges.
Avoid using wired devices (landline phones, plug-in computers).
Stay off wet floors and don’t touch plumbing, taps, or showers.
