The National Weather Service Huntsville Office has announced Lightning Safety Week June 24-30.
With Summer officially beginning Wednesday, cloud to ground lightning can be more frequent thanks to seasonal isolated storms.
Four lightning related fatalities have occurred already this year and with 27 killed last year from the phenomenon, knowing proper safety precautions could mean the difference between life and death.
The summer month frequently find various sports in full swing. Do you know what to do if you hear thunder in the distance? Have you ever thought, “the storm is too far away, we’re safe?” Don’t take storms too lightly as lightning can strike up to 10 miles from it’s parent thunderstorm.
The NWS has one of the best mottoes for lightning safety, “When thunder roars, go in doors.”
Use this simple to understand advice for the ballpark, camping, boating, or other activity that puts you directly in danger of being struck.
Know your location and plan ahead. By simply knowing where the safe, enclosed shelters are in a given location and planning your events to coincide with days with the least chance for lightning, you’ve achieved the easiest-to-follow safety advice.
Many more tips, coloring books for the kids, and resources are available at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/
The map below indicates the frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning from 1997 to 2010.
Ben Luna
WAAY 31 Weather
