While watching a thunderstorm from the safety of your home is an enjoyable experience, being stuck inside during torrential winds and lightning strikes makes it less thrilling.
tents are not designed to protect you from lightning strikes during a storm in fact, the aluminum piping used for tent poles is an conductor of electricity. Though it may be tempting to think that your shelter will keep dry if there’s rain outside.
Keep your camping trip safe and enjoyable by being prepared for the potential dangers that may arise. Make sure you know where around your location there are places to take shelter in case of hazardous weather conditions, such as thunderstorms.
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Possible Dangers To Watch Out For During Thunderstorms
Imagining the potential for disaster in a vast, unamed territory? Imagine yourself during an approaching storm. You’re all set up and ready with your tent just near some water when suddenly it starts pouring down rain like there’s no tomorrow.
heavy rainfall
Flooding is a very real and dangerous threat during heavy rainfall. Flash floods, in particular can occur without warning which means that it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There’s a chance you could die if caught in high water. In addition, being soaking wet will make it difficult for survival and unbearable hypothermia is possible when outside during cold weather withstanding storms like this one can be dangerous because there’s potential exposure risk from bacteria filled standing pools of rainwater that have been left behind by recent floods.
Heavy Wind
When a severe storm approaches, trees are not our friends. They can be seen as an enemy that will do anything to protect themselves and their own life giving oxygen from being ripped away by the strong winds.
When there is a strong wind, it can break and snap off large tree limbs which could end up flying towards you. If camping near trees or in high altitude locations with weak branches for support (because they’re so lightweight), be sure to take shelter indoors until conditions improve.
Thunderstorm Lightning Strikes
Lighting strikes are the most dangerous situation you can face during a thunderstorm. A person is killed by lightning every other day, and 20 people died from it last year! You’re more likely to be struck if there’s heavy rain or strong winds.
Lightning is a terrifying and violent event that can strike anywhere, anytime. It’s not just people who are at risk of being hit by lightning if you’re camping out in open fields or woods there’s also the chance for side flashes to occur which could result from outside electronics generating electricity while they’re turned off.
Lightning is a dangerous and unpredictable weather phenomenon that has been known to kill its victims. There are two common forms of lightning damage, direct strike which occurs when you’re hit directly by it while standing on the ground or an object near your feet such as grass this can be fatal if not treated quickly enough with proper care, and contact injury from touching something recently struck like metal tools.
There are many different types of lightning strikes, but one that is especially dangerous and rare would be a side flash. This occurs when someone takes shelter under an object like trees or poles while they’re out in nature during times where there’s rain storms going on 31% of all reported casualties have been caused by these sorts Side Flashes because it happens so quickly with no warning.
Stay Away From These Locations During a Thunderstorm
As soon as you see a storm coming, it is time to take down your tent and head for safety. You never know what could happen when Mother Nature unleashes her fury.
When you’re camping, it can be tempting to think that any storm will never reach your location. However there are some things which should always keep in mind:
Front country camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about amenities like running water and toilets. Camping near civilization provides you with more opportunities for front country activities such as finding safety during storms, but there will always be those who prefer not being surrounded by other people all day long.
Backcountry camping is one of the most isolating and arduous activities you can do. It requires quick decision making to stay safe, little protection from lightning strikes when out in nature on your own with no help coming for days or weeks at a time it’s all up to you.
Depending on where you camp, certain items may or not be present. If they are found though it is vital to stay as far away from them for your safety.
Places with Metallic Objects
Metal objects are often found in the front country. These items can be long conductors of electricity and prone to lightning strikes, so if you see either one during a storm make sure that 20 feet away from them or closer until its grounding sleeve has been lowered safely again.
Places with Tall Trees
Lightning is a dangerous and unpredictable weather phenomenon that can strike at any time. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of where tall trees are located in order for you or someone else who may come across lightning storm conditions not experience an injury due its power fluctuations.
When camping during a storm, make sure to find shorter trees with few branches. This will reduce your chances of getting hit by broken limbs in high winds.
Areas Prone To Flooding
Be sure to avoid areas prone to flooding when camping. In some front country regions, there may be signage that lets you know which portions of a campsite are below the flood level but if not just pick one close enough so your tent won’t get flooded in case it rains heavily or during severe storms.
Conclusion
It’s not just the weather that can change without warning, but also your safety. When you are out in nature and suddenly find yourself surrounded by dark skies with drops of rain start running for cover. Do NOT stay inside any longer than necessary because it will only get worse before things improve again which means this is longer protect YOU from potential lightning strikes or other types storms such as hurricanes that could hit YOUR location at anytime.
Conditions are always a factor to consider when camping, so it’s important that you monitor the weather leading up your trip and prepare for any emergency situations.
