It’s National Lightning Awareness Week

Posted By: Terry West June 26, 2020

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. 

Terry West
Latest posts by Terry West (see all)