Voltage involved in initiating a cloud-to-ground strike: 100 million to 1 billion Volts

Average peak current in a cloud-to-ground lightning stroke: 100,000 Amperes

Average peak temperature of a lightning channel: 50,000° F (27,600° C)

Comparison- Average temperature of the sun's surface: 11,000° F (6000° C)

Average duration of peak current in a lightning discharge: 1/1000 sec.

Estimated diameter of a lightning channel: 0.5 to 1 inches (1.3 to 2.5 cm)

Length of a cloud-to-ground lightning channel: 2 to 10 miles

Miscellaneous tidbits:

An estimated 500-1000 people are struck by lightning every year in the U.S.

The Empire State building in New York City and the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center in Chicago are struck by lightning an average of 40 to 80 times per year.

The USA's most lightning-active region: Central Florida

The USA's second most lightning-active region: Arizona

There are 100 flashes of lightning per second on earth.

How do you say 'lightning' in .......?