Thunderstorms across the North, thousands of lightning strikes the ground in Hanoi and neighboring provinces

According to statistics from the National Hydrometeorological Network Center (General Department of Hydrometeorology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), from 6 am until now, thousands of lightning strikes have struck Hanoi and neighboring provinces of Hung Yen and Ha Nam. Heavy to very heavy rain covered many areas.

Specifically, from 6am to 7am there were 3,513 lightning strikes, of which 2,322 were from cloud to ground; from 7am to 8am there were 4,060 lightning strikes, of which 2,855 were from cloud to ground; from 8am to 9am there were 2,642 lightning strikes, of which 1,848 were from cloud to ground.

Thus, from 6am to 9am on June 5, there were a total of 10,215 lightning strikes in Hanoi and neighboring provinces.

Notably, from 7:40 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. there were 830 lightning strikes, including 542 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in Hanoi and neighboring areas.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, due to the influence of a low pressure trough with an axis through the North, combined with wind convergence above 3,000 m level gradually becoming stronger, this morning, heavy rain appeared in many places in the North.

Rainfall from 7:00 p.m. on June 4 to 8:00 a.m. on June 5 was over 150 mm in some places, such as Ban Quan (Lao Cai) 271.6 mm, Ban Giang (Lai Chau) 213.6 mm, Xuan Minh (Ha Giang) 178.6 mm, Long Dinh (Quang Ninh) 156.4 mm, Gia Phu (Lao Cai) 154.8 mm.

The capital Hanoi also received very heavy rain this morning. In just over an hour, many places in Hanoi recorded very heavy rainfall such as Hoang Mai about 110 mm, Nam Tu Liem 100.3 mm, Cau Giay 70.3 mm, Thanh Xuan 67.3 mm.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that from June 5 to the night of June 6, the North and Thanh Hoa will continue to have moderate rain, heavy rain and thunderstorms, locally very heavy rain with common rainfall from 40-100mm, some places over 200mm.

From the evening of June 5 to the night of June 6, Nghe An area will have moderate rain, heavy rain and thunderstorms, locally very heavy rain with rainfall from 40 - 70mm, some places over 100mm.

During thunderstorms, there is a possibility of tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind. Beware of the risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas and flooding in low-lying areas.

According to experts, when thunderstorms occur, people on the street should quickly find safe shelters such as large buildings with lightning protection systems. Note that warehouses, bus shelters and buildings without lightning protection are easy targets for lightning strikes.

Lightning tends to strike at the shortest distance. So if you are in a forest, seek shelter under small trees and avoid standing next to tall trees. If you are in an open area, seek shelter in a low area, such as a valley or ravine. If you are in a boat, get to shore as quickly as possible.

If you notice your hair standing on end, it means you are vulnerable to lightning. At this point, squat down, cover your ears with your hands to reduce the damage to your hearing, and put your head between your knees.

For people who are indoors, when there is a thunderstorm, they need to turn off the power to electronic devices such as televisions, computers and other electronic sources, limit the use of the phone when there is a thunderstorm, do not stand near windows, doors, electrical wires or telephone cables. Stay away from wet places such as bathrooms and water tanks.