Lightning mapping observations of downward lightning flashes to wind turbines

Abstract

Negative downward leaders that produced lightning strokes to wind turbines are identified by means of the Lightning Mapping Array data of the Ebro Valley Laboratory (NE Spain). Four cases are analyzed together with weather radar imagery. All flashes hitting wind turbines were originated in small convective cells with moderate development. Notwithstanding the moderate convection, all cases occurred under what can be called “out of season conditions”, where the “charging zone” is located closer to the ground and may favour downward leaders to tall structures. Cloud charge structures showed negative region from 3 km to more than 5 km with a low positive charge below (not always detectable).