how to measure the distance of lightning?

Answer 1

If the time between the sighting of the lightning and the boom of the thunder is one second, you can roughly figure it is about 1 mile away. (not exact, but close enough for most of us)

Answer 2

This may seem old fashioned, but......
When you see a lightning flash, or more importantly, a strike!
Count the seconds until you hear the sound. That's how many miles it is from you. If you need measurements, just calculate the distance in miles........give or take a second or so.
Count it yourself.......I do. It works in Florida. Remember that sound can be tricky, as in echos or reverberations in geology or even cloud formations. Too cool. Hope it helps.
It may be different in a canyon according to size and depth.

Answer 3

thunder 5 seconds after lightning = 1 mile away

Answer 4

Count the seconds between the flash and the clap. Then divide by 5 to get the number of miles.

Answer 5

Here's a calculator.
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110060/reports/lightning4.htm

Answer 6

I wouldn't dare to. I am afraid of lightning...!!!