How can the distance of a lightning strike be determined if a lightning detector is not available?

The method of counting the number of seconds from the lightning strike to the sound of thunder is effective because light travels faster than sound. Specifically, light reaches us almost instantly, while sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second (or about 1,125 feet per second) under typical conditions. When you see a flash of lightning, you can start counting the seconds until you hear the thunder. The general rule of thumb is that for every five seconds counted, the lightning strike is about one mile away. This approach provides a practical and accurate estimation of the distance to the lightning strike, making it a reliable method in the absence of specialized equipment.

Using visual observation alone or smartphone apps to estimate distance may not be as accurate as counting the seconds. Assessing cloud cover does not provide a direct measure of the lightning's distance and could yield misleading results, as the storm's intensity or the type of clouds present might not correlate with how far away the lightning actually is.