The Eternal Lightning Storm

Venezuela's Catatumbo River might be the stormiest place on Earth.

Here, at the place where the river meets Maracaibo Lake, atmospheric phenomena create conditions perfect for near constant storm activity.

An eternal lightning storm, often referred to as the 'Everlasting Storm,' rages over the mouth of the Catatumbo River for about half the year—up to 10 hours a night and as many as 280 times per hour.

These electric storms are visible for nearly 250 miles (400 kilometers) and they're used by ships as a navigation aid.

Scientists attribute the high concentration of lightning activity to a number of unique geographic and environmental factors, including the shape and altitude of the surrounding mountains, the local wind patterns, and the warm, moist air coming off the Caribbean Sea.

The result is practically an endless lightning storm that's so consistent, it's even been used as a navigational aid..