1. Lightning is a two-step process. Both steps must occur for lightning to strike.
2. The energy in storm clouds build as it passes over the earth. Eventually the energy builds so much that it must discharge. This is known as ‘Potential Difference’ as the Cloud’s Potential exceeds the Earth’s Potential.
3. When this happens, the cloud sends down negatively charged “Leaders”.
4. At the same time, an opposite reaction occurs on earth and positively charged items send up “Upward Streamers”. Positively charged items can be boats, homes, buildings, towers, pets and people. Virtually anything can emit Upward Streamers.