STATISTICS OF LIGHTNING STRIKES TO THE TORONTO-CANADIAN-NATIONAL-TOWER (1978-1995)

Lightning strikes to the 553-m high CN Tower have been observed since 1978. Video records of CN Tower lightning events during the intervenin g lightning seasons, up to and including 1995, have been analyzed and statistical findings are presented, The paper includes data on monthly and diurnal occurrences of lightning,as well as on parameters of inci dence; such as flash duration, multiplicity of strokes in a flash and interstroke intervals. Lightning data for CN Tower strikes are also co mpared with observations made elsewhere in the world. Information deri ved is relevant to lightning protection of tall structures and of neig hbouring objects, and of power line and substation components, in part icular those erected in mountainous regions.