Beware of Supercell Lightning

Supercell lightning storms are threatening our country. It is known that Supercell Clouds, which have caused lightning strikes far above normal levels in recent years, will reappear as we enter the autumn months. Supercell clouds, which were very effective in May and June and caused damage to many facilities due to lightning, can strike thousands of lightning bolts in a very short time at the location where they bring precipitation, resulting in extensive damage. In addition to equipment damage, the parallel increase in fires and electric shock incidents due to the rising number of lightning strikes makes it critically important to properly design Lightning Protection Systems and to eliminate deficiencies in this area.

Supercell clouds released 155,000 lightning strikes across the country in just June 14–15; it is known that 6,000 lightning strikes occurred in Istanbul in a single day. Lightning caused by supercell clouds can reach up to four times the intensity of normal lightning. Lightning strikes exceeding 100 kiloamperes cause serious damage to facilities with insufficient protection.

The clouds referred to as Supercells (Supercell) are actually called Cumulonimbus clouds. The most intense discharges occur in air movements where moisture is lifted upward. Supercell clouds can reach thicknesses of 12–15 kilometers. They are massive clouds; during rainfall, water droplets turn into ice crystals due to air currents, and as these ice crystals collide and become ionized, the cloud seeks to combine with oppositely charged ions on the Earth’s surface. The very strong ionic attraction of a cloud up to 15 kilometers thick creates lightning strikes. They make contact with thousands of points on the Earth’s surface. Approximately 70% of ions are drawn from the ground, and lightning occurs. Ion movement within the cloud also causes thunder. Supercell clouds are highly risky for pilots as well; aircraft should avoid entering these clouds.

On days when supercell clouds are present, walking outdoors, in forests, or on soil surfaces is risky; staying at sea should be avoided, as step voltage can commonly cause electric shock to humans and animals. Additionally, in factories and residential complexes, precautions against step voltage must be taken.

Supercell clouds, observed as effects of global warming, have changed the lightning characteristics of our country. Therefore, Lightning Protection and Risk Analysis calculations must be updated. LV surge protection system installation, Insulated External Lightning Protection Systems, Grounding, and Equipotential measures must be fully implemented. In line with lightning intensity, the selected LV surge protection device ratings should be reviewed. You cannot protect your facility against lightning with outdated technology and lower-protection products in a location experiencing 200 kiloampere strikes. Communication lines and data lines must be protected. Supercell lightning clouds, especially affecting rural and high-altitude areas, pose a serious lightning risk for solar and wind power plants.

One strike is enough to cause major damage to your investment!

To protect your facility against lightning strikes generated by Supercells and to request a free risk assessment and site survey, you can schedule an appointment with Yılkomer engineers.

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