What a Shock!

A previous blog alluded to the time in my life when Zeus was hurling many lightning bolts at me. I was living in Pensacola, FL, pursuing my Master’s in Biology at the University of West Florida. My usual route around town includes a long stretch of straight four-lane road. Every so often, there is an electrical transformer on a large pole.

Florida is known for its lightning from its numerous thunderstorms. Watching lightning is a frequent activity, enjoyed if one is safely inside a grounded building. Being out amid these massive electrical discharges can be terrifying. Twenty-eight people die each year due to lightning. Thoughts like these went through my mind as I headed home amid a thunderstorm. Lightning was flashing about me, some a little too close for comfort.
As I proceeded, I came to that straight portion of the road. Despite the rain, the top-notch surface reassured me…until the lightning strike hit the transformer I was passing. The transformer exploded into flames, throwing sparks that cascaded upon the road. The adrenalin surge heightened my awareness of the storm. I soothed myself and drove onward.

As I passed the second transformer, it, too, was struck and exploded! Okay, now it’s getting a bit scary. Paying close attention, I was not surprised that the third transformer exploded as I reached it! One more transformer to go, and, sure enough, one more lightning bolt exploded that one. I was relieved that I had passed all the transformers.

However, as I crossed the railroad tracks, a bolt struck a few yards to my right. The electricity traveled down the railing toward me! I quickly searched my memory for whether cars were grounded or not. Thank goodness the rubber tires would protect me as long as I didn’t touch anything metal in the car. I floored the car. Reaching my trailer, I dashed inside, relieved to be safe indoors. Just then, a loud clap of thunder announced a lightning strike very nearby. My electricity flickered, but I could detect any other effects. Fire trucks soon arrived at the house behind me. The lightning had struck the roof and surged through the wiring, exploding the television and igniting a fire. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, and the damage was limited to the living room. The storm passed, and I avoided being struck. Phew!
Soon afterward, I visited my parents in Peoria, IL. I was sitting by the front window, working at a desk in a corner of the house. As I was writing, a thunderstorm arrived. As I had in Florida, I enjoyed watching the lightning. That is until…a bolt struck the corner of the house where I was sitting! Fortunately, the house was adequately grounded, and there was no damage from the strike. However, I did move to an interior table.

Were the lightning bolts aimed at me, trying to tell me something? If so, I didn’t understand the message.

I graduated from the University of West Florida and moved to Houston, TX. I had a lovely apartment, but I had to use the complex washing machines to do my laundry. This was a typical weekend activity. Once again, a thunderstorm arrived, but I only had to walk across the sidewalk to the laundry room. I picked up my basket and opened the door; a lightning bolt struck on the other side of the door frame! My hair stood on end, and I felt an electrical tingle flow through. I closed the door. I was not leading until the sun shone again.
So, if you’re ever near me in a thunderstorm, take my advice and move far away. I’ve never been struck by lightning, but the bolts come very, very close.