I think that lightning can strike the same place twice, and in fact, it often does. This is a common misconception, as many people think lightning only hits a location once. Lightning follows the path of least resistance, typically targeting tall, isolated, or conductive structures. Skyscrapers, communication towers, and trees are frequent targets because they provide a direct path to the ground. For example, the Empire State Building in New York is struck by lightning about 20–25 times per year.
The electrical nature of lightning makes repeated strikes possible. When a thunderstorm occurs, charged clouds create a strong electric field between the cloud and the ground. Tall structures or elevated points concentrate this field, making them likely points of contact. If conditions persist, lightning may strike the same object multiple times, sometimes within seconds or minutes.
Understanding this helps explain why safety precautions are important during storms. Being near tall objects or open fields increases the risk of being struck, and repeated strikes can cause fires, damage buildings, or even injure people. In conclusion, lightning is unpredictable in timing but predictable in target, making repeated strikes to the same location not only possible but fairly common.