7 Critical Things Every American Needs to Know About Cloud-to-Ground Lightning
7 Critical Things Every American Needs to Know About Cloud-to-Ground Lightning As the festive lights twinkle on December 25, 2025, and families gather across the United States, it’s easy to get lost in the warmth and joy of the season. Yet, beneath the festive cheer, the raw power of nature continues its relentless dance, shaping our lives and landscapes. One of the most breathtaking and terrifying manifestations of this power is cloud-to-ground lightning. Far from a mere spectacle, it’s a force that demands our respect, understanding, and vigilant preparedness. This isn't just a weather phenomenon; it's a critical safety concern that impacts every state, every year, making it a truly evergreen topic for every American household. Cloud-to-ground lightning is not just a bright flash and a deafening roar; it's a complex electrical discharge that carries immense destructive potential, capable of causing widespread power outages, devastating fires, and, most tragically, severe ...