Lightning question again?

Question

We were at our friend's house in their kitchen and a huge storm rolled in. Lightning struck and we think it hit their backyard. When it hit we heard 4-5 popping noises in the kitchen from the direction of the backyard. The only thing against that wall was the fridge and phone. All appliances looked and worked fine. It did pop the breaker in the livingroom.

What was the popping noise we heard in the kitchen. My hubby thought maybe static electricity. Someone on YA said it may have been an arc but I can't get details thru a yahoo search and don't know what that is. Got any ideas? Got a link for me? Thanks :o)

Ok...little more info. The popping noise sounded like it was inside the kitchen but from the part of the room facing the backyard....OH, I hope I make sense. Thanks again :o)

Answer 1

There is a phenomena called Ball Lightning that causes popping noises. Its when lightning hits the ground it can create a glowing ball of silica that travels around popping. Pity you didn't actually see it.

Answer 2

Sometimes what will happen is that a huge electric filed is created close to the lightning strike. Nearby wires can act like antennas and a voltage will be induced in them. That voltage can be large enough to cause an arc (spark) which wil sound like a pop.

Answer 3

I t could have been the GFI outlets in the kitchen. They usually install these outlets near where water is around like near kitchen sinks and bathrooms. It may be the test / reset buttons on the outlet switch being tripped when the lightning struck.

Answer 4

there is something incorrect with the international on the instant, i don't be attentive to what that's. something's incorrect with our eyes. we are seeing issues in a diverse way, and God knows it ain't his. It optimistic ain't no ask your self.

Answer 5

Here you go:

http://library.thinkquest.org/20698/data/light4.htm