Beakman explains static electricity through an animated video. He mentions that static electricity is present in the sky during a thunderstorm. He also explains how light travels faster than sound, which is why we see lightening before we hear it.
At any moment, about 2,000 thunderstorms are occurring worldwide. Learn how thunderstorms form, what causes lightning and thunder, and how these violent phenomena help balance the planet's energy and electricity.
Forecasters can predict when they believe tornadoes may form with radar research in severe storms. Tornadoes can be extremely devasting ripping through towns and occuring very quickly sometimes with little warning.