The paper presents the phenomenology of upward and downward (positive and negative) lightning strikes. The problem of determining (estimating) the exposure to direct lightning strikes of modern wind turbines with a total height (tower + blade) exceeding 100 meters is described, with special emphasis on IEC 61400-24. An analysis of the expected proportion of upward lightning strikes in modern wind turbines was also carried out, based on Eriksson’s research, as well as recording the amplitudes of lightning currents that strike tall free-standing objects (e.g. radio towers). The influence of the expected proportion of upward lightning strikes on the assessment of the expected amplitude of lightning current that may be exceeded, e.g. once during a certain period of time (e.g. during the lifetime of a wind turbine), was then analyzed.