That Was Disconcerting

The commuter lot where I've been parking lately to catch a ride (Tim's on travel and as he owns the parking spot, I'm reduced to slugging with the masses rather than being one of the wonderful people who picks up a slug or two) has high power lines strung overhead. Normally, if I notice them at all, I think to myself what a good use of the land under these lines a commuter lot is.

Last night when I was walking back to my car the air was thick with damp fog. As I crossed under the power lines about 100 feet from the poles supporting them, I began to hear a muted crackling and hissing noise. It sounded much like the bug zapper that my uncle had out by his pool on a very buggy night. (Amusingly, the frogs used to gather under the bug zapper and greedily suck up the barbecue as it fell from the sky.) After looking about, I could only conclude that it was the high power lines crackling in the mist.

They were at it again this morning.

I've never noticed them doing this before and I've walked under them in all kinds of weather. It was strange and rather disconcerting. Does anyone know if it's normal?