What are thunderstorms and how are they formed?
A thunderstorm is manifested by a sudden discharge of electricity, which we perceive by an intense and fleeting glow, commonly known as lightning or lightning strike, and by a powerful sound, thunder.
Safety in the construction industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of United States details in its report on “safety in the construction industry” that precautions should be taken to avoid the danger of lightning to workers. In Great Britain alone, according to issue Nº. 401 of The International Journal of Meteorology, reports for over the past 30 years show work-related activities accounted for 15% of the total of deaths due to electrical discharges.
Hazards of thunderstorms on farms and livestock
Thunderstorms are a major threat to agricultural and livestock farms, the most susceptible being the so-called extensive livestock farms, those with large areas of land for natural animal care.
ATSTORM: Lightning warning system
A lightning warning system is a device which warns of lightning strike risk in areas that need to be protected against the effect of atmospheric electrical discharges. ATSTORM is an expert system for storm detection developed by Aplicaciones Tecnológicas which is able to provide local early warnings.