x
Breaking News
More () »

How to tell how far away lightning is

KHOU Chief Meteorologist David Paul wants to keep you 'weather smart'

HOUSTON — A flash of lightning lights up the light sky, but how far away was it?  

That flash of light from lightning travels to your eye almost instantly, but that sound of thunder takes time.  

It takes five seconds for that sound to travel one mile to your ear.  When you see that flash of light, start counting. If you get to five and then hear the thunder, that lightning strike was one mile away.

KHOU Chief Meteorologist David Paul wants to keep you 'weather smart.'  See some of the other videos he's produced in the playlist below.

RELATED: This is how lightning helps plants and grass grow

RELATED: Can raindrops really help with your allergies?

RELATED: Debunked: Myths about cold weather and your health

Before You Leave, Check This Out