Thunder and lightning are summer staples, but they can happen all year round. Here's a quick science lesson on how thunder, lightning and storms form.

Stay alert for storms. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a cloud before and after rain begins. Trees and open-sided shelters are not safe. Seek shelter inside a building or a vehicle.

Texas, Florida and Oklahoma are the lightning capitals of the United States, according to Vaisala Xweather. But Texas stands out among the top three: The 10 counties with the most lightning strikes ...