How to survive a thunderstorm on the trail

Rule #1: take precautions
The first rule when it comes to thunderstorms is to minimize your chances of getting caught in one. This means thoroughly checking the weather before heading into the mountains. A basic weather app can give you a general idea of what to expect, but a more comprehensive option is a weather app that displays predictions on a map (I personally use the Ventusky app). While a basic app shows the forecast for a specific location, a map-based app can give you predictions for the surrounding areas.

Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, so if thunderstorms are passing nearby, there’s a good chance they’ll make their way to you as well. Avoid heading out under such conditions, or at the very least, ensure you’re in a safe location if you do.

If you’re camping in the mountains, always have an exit plan in mind before you go to sleep. That way, you’ll know exactly what to do if a thunderstorm catches you off guard.

Rule #2: recognize your threat
Even with precautions in place, a thunderstorm can still catch you off guard. There are some general signs that indicate a storm is on its way. Stay alert if you notice any of the following:
-> The sky darkens quickly, sometimes turning almost black;
-> The wind picks up significantly;
-> Temperatures drop suddenly;
-> Heavy rainfall appears out of nowhere;
-> You feel your hair standing up straight.

Being aware of these signs can help you react quickly and find shelter before the storm hits.

Rule #3: 10 seconds or less = time to stress
When a thunderstorm approaches, the first thing you should do is count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder. Each second represents approximately 300 meters, so if you count three seconds between the flash and the rumble, the storm is about 1 kilometer away.

That might sound far, but remember, lightning travels incredibly fast, and the distance between strikes can easily be 3 kilometers. If you count ten seconds or less between the lightning and the thunder, the storm is too close for comfort, and it’s time to take action.

Rule #4: get low
Channel your inner Flo Rida and get LOW as soon as you can! Lightning tends to strike the tallest objects in an area, so you definitely don’t want to be one of them. If you’re on a mountain, make your way down as quickly as possible, even if it means turning back after climbing up.

But, watch out: getting low does NOT mean lying flat on the ground. In fact, lying down is one of the most dangerous positions you can be in, as it gives lightning a larger target to hit

Rule #5: don’t take shelter under rocks or trees
Lightning travels incredibly fast and often jumps from one object to another. So, if it strikes the tree or rock you’re using for shelter, it could easily leap onto you, resulting in a lightning strike. It’s best to stay away from these natural shelters during a storm.

Rule #8: seek roofed shelter or a vehicle
Cars are one of the safest places to ride out a thunderstorm. If there isn’t one nearby, look for a roofed shelter to take cover in. This could be a bothy, mountain hut, shepherd’s hut, or any building with a roof. Bothies and mountain huts often come equipped with lightning rods, making them much safer than your tent!

Rule #9: last resort
If any of the following signs occur, the chances of being struck by lightning are very high. In this situation, it’s time to assume the “lightning crouch”:
-> Your hair stands up straight;
-> Light metal objects begin to vibrate;
-> Your skin starts to tingle;
-> You hear a crackling sound in your head.

In these cases, drop into the lightning crouch as quickly as possible: crouch down on your backpack with your feet touching, tuck your head down, and place your hands on your neck.

That’s it! Let’s hope you never find yourself caught in a heavy, frightening thunderstorm. But if you do, I hope you remember some of these rules to keep yourself as safe as possible.