Serving the Citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama Hazards: Lightning Lightning is an electrical discharge that results from the buildup of positive and negative charges within a thunderstorm. When the buildup becomes strong enough, lightning appears as a "bolt." This flash of light usually occurs within the clouds or between the clouds and the ground. A bolt of lightning reaches a temperature approaching 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit in a split second. The rapid heating and cooling of air near the lightning causes thunder. For more information, visit: www.fema.gov/hazards/thunderstorms/. Other Hazards: • Thunderstorms • Tornadoes • Hurricanes • Floods • Extreme Heat • Winter • Earthquakes • Fire • Nuclear • Terrorism Website maintained by the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, Birmingham, Alabama