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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
June 13, 2023 at 03:35 PM EDT
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Alyssa Robinette
You may have heard the catchy phrase, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” Do you know what it means though? Here, we examine lightning safety to keep you and your family safe.
No place outdoors is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area. Each year in the U.S., there are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and around 300 people struck by lightning. Of those struck, about 30 people are killed, with many others suffering lifelong disabilities.
Most of these tragedies can be prevented! Many lightning victims say they were “caught” outside and could not get to a safe place. Others simply waited too long before seeking shelter, while others are struck because they went back outside too soon.
Make sure that you monitor the weather, especially if you have outdoor activities. Know the forecast before you leave and consider postponing if there is a chance for thunderstorms. Once outside, look for signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm, such as towering clouds, darkening skies or flashes of lightning. You should also have a lightning safety plan, and know where you will go for safety and ensure you will have enough time to get there.
When you hear thunder, you need to get inside as soon as possible! This means either a substantial, enclosed building, or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents, covered porches or dugouts do NOT protect you from lightning.
If you cannot get to a safe building or vehicle, you should:
Stay inside the building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder. If you hear thunder again within this 30-minute timeframe, even just one strike, you must start the time over! While 30 minutes may seem like a long time, it is necessary to be safe.
While lightning can be random and unpredictable, being prepared and knowing what to do ahead of time can help increase the chance that you and your family will stay safe.
Source: NWS
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Image: A yellow and black sign says "When Thunder Roars Go Indoors", reminding people to seek shelter in bad weather. (Kimberly Boyles via Shutterstock)
No place outdoors is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area. Each year in the U.S., there are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and around 300 people struck by lightning. Of those struck, about 30 people are killed, with many others suffering lifelong disabilities.
Most of these tragedies can be prevented! Many lightning victims say they were “caught” outside and could not get to a safe place. Others simply waited too long before seeking shelter, while others are struck because they went back outside too soon.
Make sure that you monitor the weather, especially if you have outdoor activities. Know the forecast before you leave and consider postponing if there is a chance for thunderstorms. Once outside, look for signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm, such as towering clouds, darkening skies or flashes of lightning. You should also have a lightning safety plan, and know where you will go for safety and ensure you will have enough time to get there.
When you hear thunder, you need to get inside as soon as possible! This means either a substantial, enclosed building, or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents, covered porches or dugouts do NOT protect you from lightning.
If you cannot get to a safe building or vehicle, you should:
- Avoid open areas. Do not be the tallest object in the area.
- Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Lightning tends to strike the taller objects in an area.
- Stay away from metal conductors, such as wires or fences. Metal does not attract lightning, but lightning can easily travel long distances through it.
- If you are with a group of people, spread out. While this might increase the chance that someone might get struck, it tends to prevent multiple casualties and increases the chances that someone could help if a person is struck.
Stay inside the building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder. If you hear thunder again within this 30-minute timeframe, even just one strike, you must start the time over! While 30 minutes may seem like a long time, it is necessary to be safe.
While lightning can be random and unpredictable, being prepared and knowing what to do ahead of time can help increase the chance that you and your family will stay safe.
Source: NWS
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Image: A yellow and black sign says "When Thunder Roars Go Indoors", reminding people to seek shelter in bad weather. (Kimberly Boyles via Shutterstock)