What are the positive and negative effects of thunderstorms?

The positive effects are that the lightning creates ozone (O3) from oxygen (O2). Without the ozone layer, life would not be possible on the surface of the earth. Then, the lightning also creates nitrate (NO3) from nitrogen (N2). read more

Thunderstorms can, however, have negative effects on the environment due to the accompanying strong winds (wind damage) and lightning (potential for igniting fires and even killing people or animals). read more

With a positive electrical charge, lightning travels between the negative base of a thunder cloud and the point of contact on Earth in about 30 seconds. Why specific objects attract lightning strikes is not yet fully understood by scientists, yet they know lightning tends to hit tall, free-standing structures, such as radio towers, telephones poles and trees, much more often than open ground. read more