How to estimate the distance of a lightning strike

February 12, 2026 Jon R Myers

Many people wonder how far away a lightning strike is. A common method involves measuring the time between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder.

By taking the number of seconds between the lightning and thunder and dividing by five, you can estimate the distance in miles. For example, if you hear thunder five seconds after seeing the lightning, the storm is roughly one mile away.

This technique offers a quick and easy way to gauge the proximity of storms and stay safe during severe weather.

Source: Original Article

Jon R Myers

Jon R Myers is the executive editor of Alcorn County News and the founder of the Mississippi News Group, which he started in 2013 to cover communities across North Mississippi. He also founded the Mississippi Sports Group in 2006, which grew from a single community publication into a statewide network covering high school and college athletics. He reports on local government, public safety, schools and community life in Corinth and Alcorn County, working from public meetings, agency records and interviews with the people involved. Contact him at editor@alcornnewsms.com with news tips or corrections. For a correction, include the article link and supporting source material.

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