Yes, Lightning Strikes More Than Twice, Same Place

The phrase “lightning never strikes the same place twice” is an enduring myth woven into popular lore. However, this catchy saying is far from the truth.

In reality, lightning can strike the same place more than once.((https://www.noaa.gov/stories/5-striking-facts-versus-myths-about-lightning-you-should-know))

From towering skyscrapers like the Empire State Building to solitary trees in open fields, we’ll uncover the science behind why and how lightning makes its repeat visits to the same spots.

Here are the facts about lightning:

• Tall Structures Attract More Strikes: Buildings, especially skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, are often struck multiple times due to their height and presence above the surrounding landscape.((https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/weather/2020/07/30/how-our-tallest-buildings-handle-lightning-strikes-))
• Lightning Rods Are Designed for Repeated Strikes: These devices are installed precisely to attract lightning, providing a safe path for the electrical discharge and protecting the structure. They are expected to be hit repeatedly.((https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-rods))
• Geographical and Climatic Factors: Areas with frequent thunderstorms or specific geographic features are more likely to experience repeated lightning strikes at the same location.((https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210622162923.htm))
• Nature’s Targets: In nature, tall trees or high points in a landscape (like hilltops) can be struck multiple times over their existence.((https://hgic.clemson.edu/lightning-and-trees/))
• Rapid Succession Strikes: Lightning can strike the same place several times during the same storm, often within a short period.((https://www.noaa.gov/stories/5-striking-facts-versus-myths-about-lightning-you-should-know)),((https://www.britannica.com/story/can-lightning-strike-the-same-place-twice))
• Statistical Probability: While it may seem improbable, the sheer number of lightning strikes that occur globally means that repeat strikes in the same place are not only possible but relatively common.((https://sciencenotes.org/can-lightning-strike-the-same-place-twice/))
• Electrical Conductivity: Certain materials or structures that conduct electricity better may be more prone to repeated strikes.((https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/modern-steel/archives/2016/10/lightning.pdf))
• High Ground Preference: Lightning tends to strike the highest point in an area, which means that any elevated location can be hit multiple times.((https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/education/weather/thunderstorm-and-lightning/00013-does-lightning-always-strike-the-tallest-object.html))