Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice

This episode challenges the well-known saying that “lightning never strikes the same place twice.” While it’s often used as a metaphor for rare events, science shows the opposite is true.

Lightning seeks out the tallest, most conductive objects, and those spots are often hit repeatedly. Famous landmarks like the Empire State Building (struck 20–25 times a year) and the CN Tower (struck over 70 times annually) prove the myth wrong. Even mountains and tall trees experience repeated strikes over time.

The phrase originated in the 19th century as a poetic metaphor and stuck because it was catchy and memorable, not factual. However, believing it literally can be dangerous, as people may think a tree or building already struck is “safe.” In reality, the same location can be hit again within the same storm.

The takeaway? Lightning absolutely strikes the same place twice—and often more. The myth survives because of language and storytelling, but the science is clear: electricity follows the easiest path, even if that path has already been used.