Tam, WB2TT wrote:
"...both hits were near the
base of the tower, not the top."

Richard Harrison asked:
Why was the voltage gradient highest
near the base of the tower?

One only needs to watch the science, or reality, TV shows about
lightning to see many clear (!!!) violations of the 'Simplified Rules
of Lightning'. Such reports, as Tam's, no longer require signed
affidavits and a complete mathematical analysis to be considered
reliable. A video would certainly be considered helpful for those
that doubt ;-).

It is interesting that lightning has become a MUCH more complex
phenomena since the camcorder became a common household item. That is
a reflection on human behavior and the not-quite-perfect process of
science.

Regards,

J. Harvey, VE1BLL