What is the flash-to-bang method used to determine?

The flash-to-bang method is a widely used technique to estimate the distance of lightning strikes. The principle behind this method is based on the difference in the speed of light and sound. When a lightning strike occurs, the flash of light is seen almost instantaneously due to the high speed of light, while the sound of thunder travels much more slowly through the air.

To use this method, one counts the seconds between seeing the lightning flash and hearing the thunder (the "bang"). For every five seconds counted, it is typically estimated that the lightning is about one mile away. This method is particularly useful for safely assessing the danger associated with lightning during thunderstorms.

The other options, while related to weather phenomena, do not accurately describe the purpose of the flash-to-bang method. Understanding this technique is essential for safety in outdoor activities during storms.