Hiking is a soft adventure sport and many people go around hiking in mountain ridges to witness the landscape and mountain views. As such it’s a beautiful sight but danger also lies within somewhere hidden. Mostly the weather deteriorates in afternoons in the mountains, it is likely that a thunderstorm can come and there is possibly a lightning strike. This is a natural phenomenon and here are some things you can do to keep you and your team safe.
Why Is Lightning So Dangerous?
Lightning is an electrical discharge that occurs between clouds or between clouds and the earth. Most often, such discharges hit the nearest, and therefore, the highest places on the ground. And that’s why mountain peaks become favourite targets.
How lightening happens
Although lightning tends to hit the highest protrusions and peaks, it sometimes cheats – meaning that it doesn’t always do so. Electrical charges go for the nearest object on the ground – including someone in the middle of a forest or field.
How to Avoid Lightning Strikes When Hiking
The best survival technique is to predict, avoid and act. So while you are on a hike, be sensitive to potential dander, steer clear of it, and adapt to the situation. You cannot avoid lightning strikes, but you can surely reduce being hit by one by your action plan.
Weather Forecast
Always check the weather forecast before your schedule. Your iPhone can tell you the weather forecast with much accuracy.
Predict the weather way ahead
Weather in the Mountains is often unpredictable. It will be a bright sunny day that will turn cloudy from nowhere in a matter of minutes. Use your senses and your guide knowledge to predict one. The absence of wind for a long time is often a sign of a thunderstorm.
The Earlier, The Better
The best time to hike is early morning, as the weather may be trouble in the afternoon. Once you see the thunderstorm building up, start planning to get some shelter.
Calculate how far it is
Once you see the lightning, count the seconds till you hear the thunder, then divide that figure by three to come up with the distance in kilometres.
Action Plan for an Approaching Thunderstorm
Your action plan can decide how efficient you are to avoid such a dangerous situation. Here are some things you can do to not becoming a potential target to lightening.
- On a mountain top Open Space
If you are on a mountain top with open space.
- Leave the open space If you are on a summit or top of a mountain ridge, leave as quickly as you can.
- Switch off all electrical devices such attracts even more electrical activity. To be doubly safe, remove the batteries. No lights in tent.
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- Find a safe and dry place Try to find a rock cornice, cave, or even a tent in a dry area.
- Be careful with caves though caves can keep you dry, they have wet moss and lichen which can transmit electrical current. Stay at least a meter away from the walls and three meters away from the ceiling.
- Use a high rock or tree as a lightning rod A rock or a tree, kept at a distance of at least 10 meters away from you, is sufficient to draw the lighting away from you or your group.
- Isolate from the ground keep a tourist rug (folded several times) or a dry rope under your feet.
- Do not walk in Open Walking will put you at a higher risk of getting hit. If do you have to walk, don’t do so continuously – stop occasionally.
