Experiencing a downpour?
In the midst of outdoor pursuits like cycling, hiking, or strolling, it's crucial to be mindful of the weather, especially during thunderstorms. Here's a guide on how to stay safe when thunderstorms threaten your activities.
First and foremost, avoid open areas, water, tall trees, and metal objects during a thunderstorm. Instead, seek low-lying open ground away from isolated tall objects. If no shelter is available, adopt a low crouching position with minimal ground contact, head tucked between knees, and hands on knees. Avoid lying down, and immediately take this position if you feel your hair stand on end, a sign of an imminent lightning strike.
It's important to plan ahead by checking weather forecasts before your trip. If thunderstorms are forecast, consider delaying or altering your plans to avoid exposure. When the first sign of thunder or lightning appears, stop activities and seek shelter immediately. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm center.
If caught outdoors with no shelter, move to a low spot away from tall trees, metal, and water. Avoid carrying or being near metal objects as they conduct and attract lightning. While crouching, keep your hands on your knees, tuck your head down, minimize contact with the ground, and keep feet together to reduce electrical conduction.
Avoid telephone landlines or corded devices during storms due to electrical conduction risk. Additionally, be aware of terrain hazards such as flash floods which may accompany thunderstorms, especially near streams, dry washes, or low-lying waterways. Avoid camping or lingering in these areas during storm conditions.
To sum up, the safest strategy is to proactively avoid any outdoor activity when thunderstorms are forecast. If caught outside, immediately seek safe shelter or, lacking that, adopt proper protective positioning away from risky features.
Dr. Bernd Böttiger, the Federal Physician of the German Red Cross (DRK), advises to expect that objects - from trees to roof structures - may catch fire or fall due to lightning strikes. He also advises against seeking shelter under trees or near metal objects during a thunderstorm. Touching others during a lightning strike can create a path for the electricity to travel, potentially causing harm.
In a thunderstorm, seeking shelter under an umbrella or using objects like hiking sticks or bicycles can lead to severe injuries from lightning. The advice is to crouch down, preferably in a depression on the ground, to minimize your risk.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your outdoor activities safely, even when thunderstorms threaten. Stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors!
[1] National Weather Service, Lightning Safety, https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning [2] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Flash Flood Safety, https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood [3] American Red Cross, Lightning Safety, https://www.redcross.org/preparedness/disasters/thunderstorms-and-lightning/lightning-safety [5] World Health Organization, Lightning: A Major Global Health Problem, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lightning
