As Colorado moves into summer monsoon season, frequency of afternoon electrical storms increases. It’s National Lightning Awareness Week.
Be aware of forecast and weather hazards before hitting the trail or water.
- Rule of thumb for time: On top by 10 am, off exposed terrain by 12 noon
- Turn around immediately if you hear thunder, which means lightning is less than 10 miles away.
- Sound travels one mile every five-seconds. Count the seconds between a lightning flash and the thunder clap, then divide by five. That’s how may miles away the storm is.
- Spread out when hiking in a storm; current can jump from person to person. Aim for at least 20 feet between people to reduce the chance of a strike spreading between people.
- Signs of imminent lightning: hair standing up, cracking/static sounds from the air, skin tingling, light metal objects vibrating.
- Never lie flat on the ground, which increases your exposure to ground current.
- Avoid any and all water, or low areas where rain accumulates.
Avoid solitary trees and any other objects that are higher than the rest of the terrain around you.
