Without question, a thunderstorm is very dangerous. It can produce high winds, tornados, hail, and floods, which usually are not big problems for boats or ships. But it also creates ESD events called lightning. And, lightning discharges can be a serious hazard to a boat's structure, electrical and electronic equipment, and crew. Even if the lightning strike does not sink the vessel, a single stroke can critically injure crew members, disable the boat or ship, and destroy all electronics, leaving the vessel stranded with a life-threatening emergency and no means of communications. More people are killed each year by lightning than by any other weather-related phenomena. And when far from shore, there is no safe haven.
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