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Catatumbo- The Area That Historically Experiences the Most Lightning Storms in the World
An unassuming location in Venezuela gets more lightning than anyplace else on earth — sometimes approaching 300 days per year
When it comes to lightning storms, some people find relaxation and beauty in the powerful natural phenomenon. However, others are terrified by the electric displays. Those who don’t like such severe weather will want to steer clear of a place called Catatumbo, which historically experiences the most lightning of any place in the world at a nearly unbelievable rate.
Catatumbo lightning, also known in Spanish as Relámpago del Catatumbo, is a stunning occurrence that often appears over the skies above the mouth of the Catatumbo River (also known as the River of Fire) as it meets Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Catatumbo is derived from the language of the Bari people, roughly translating to “House of Thunder,” which attempts to describe such an incredible marvel of nature that makes it one of the most unique locations in the world.
What makes Catatumbo so special is how often and persistent lightning rages in the area. This is the result of storm clouds gathering little more than one kilometer above the earth, usually for 140 to 160 nights, and…
