CLIMATE CHANGE WILL LEAD TO MORE LIGHTNING STRIKES

[NEW RESEARCH has shown climate change could alter lightning patterns across Europe. The study, by researchers at Newcastle University and the Met Office and published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, finds there could be a picture of changing weather patterns.

The researchers found these changes could lead to an increased risk of wildfires over Northern Europe.

The study’s lead author is Dr Abdullah Kahraman, Senior Researcher in Severe Weather and Climate Change at Newcastle University and visiting scientist at the Met Office’s Hadley Centre.

Dr Kahraman explained that there could more frequent lightning strikes over mountains and in Northern Europe. However, in areas of Central Europe, there could be relatively fewer lightning hazards.

The researchers say the findings highlight the need to re-evaluate lightning risk to wildfires, properties and human life across Europe.

Co-author Professor Hayley Fowler of Newcastle University School of Engineering added: “This is just more bad news for critical national infrastructure in northern Europe, after the damning report Readiness for storms ahead? Critical national infrastructure in an age of climate change by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.

“Our paper has highlighted new risks from increases in lightning, previously unknown, which will require increased investment in climate adaptation measures. Further analysis is needed of the potential impact of these increases in lightning on energy and other critical infrastructure systems to enable policies and measures to be produced that are locallyand sector-relevant for adaptation planning.”

One immediate reaction to the increased risk is the decision to install a modern lightning protection system at historic Lancaster Castle (pictured). An application for listed building consent was lodged with City of Lancaster Council in June. q

Power Surges Are As Much A Threat As Lightning Itself

[ACCORDING TO insurance expert Peter Stevenson of the Alan Stevenson Partnership, the UK was hit by more than 40,000 lightning strikes in just one day this year.

And in this day and age, what is just as damaging, if not more so, than the damage to fabric by direct lightning strikes, is the resulting internal power surge. Most heritage and almost all church buildings are packed with electronics. These range from telecommunications to sophisticated sound and video devices, all of which are vulnerable to power surges, and it is important to check that any potential damage is covered by business insurance.

Ian Wimpeney of Raiden Lighting Protection Services Ltd urges all these organisations to invest in specialist lightning and power surge systems and to test electrical systems regularly to safeguard against faults, as well as ageing and obsolete hardware.

“Lightning and power surge systems won’t just protect against lightning strikes,” he said “but internal electrical faults, electrical switching and overload events, and physical damage to power supply cabling.” q