A remarkable tale of resilience and a brush with nature's raw power: Kimberley woman Jeanne Barnes shares her story of being struck by lightning twice. But here's where it gets controversial: She wasn't just struck once, but twice, and it happened in the same place. In a small town in Western Australia, Jeanne's story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of lightning strikes. When storms roll in, Jeanne's instinct is to run inside. She's been struck twice, and the second time was particularly harrowing. The first strike occurred when she was just 12 years old in South Africa. She was on a landline phone with her terrier, Lulu, on her lap. Suddenly, she felt a violent jolt, as if someone had hit her side with a plank. The experience left her with a ringing in her ear and a lasting memory. Lulu, her faithful companion, was never the same after that day, and now jumps at the sound of thunder. But the second strike was even more intense. Jeanne, now an 18-year-old, was on the phone with her boyfriend during a storm. Despite her instincts, she picked up the phone, and the lightning struck again. This time, it threw her against a wall, causing temporary hearing loss. She vividly remembers screaming to her parents, fearing her ear had been burnt off. Despite the trauma, Jeanne's story is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of heeding its warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology reveals that lightning strikes are more common than we might think, with around 8 million strikes worldwide daily, or 44 strikes per second. While the odds of being struck are low, it's a real risk, especially in areas like the Kimberley, where the wet season brings spectacular electrical storms. So, what can we learn from Jeanne's experience? It's crucial to take precautions during storms. Jessica Lingard from the Bureau of Meteorology advises against using landline phones during storms, as they can conduct electricity. Jeanne's story is a powerful reminder to respect nature's might and stay safe during severe weather events.
