Strenua's World

Investigating the training, treatments, diets and science behind a healthy active life

Strenua’s Stroll in a Summer Storm

Posted on July 06th, 2009 in Outdoor Activities, Strenua's Challenge

After being away for the past four days and over indulging too much, I decided enjoy a walk in the countryside this afternoon. As a result I’m too cold and wet to write much today so I’ll leave you with a brief photo story of the afternoon, the moral of the story being ‘Don’t forget to check the severe weather warnings in your area before going for walk’.

Watching a honey bee on a thistle flower in the sun.

Admiring the rainbow colours of maize in the sun

Failling to notice the imminent storm clouds

Failling to notice the imminent grey clouds

Grey clouds turn to rain...

Leading to 40 minutes of constant rain, thunder and lightning.

Incidentally if you were wondering what to do if you get caught in a thunderstorm, I’ve done some reading and apparently you shouldn’t do what I did, shelter under a tree and ring a friend for advice.

If you get caught outside in a thunderstorm things you SHOULD NOT do are:

Use a mobile phone or radio
Put up an umbrella
Stand near trees, fences and poles
Stand in high lying places or in open fields.
Lie on the ground.
Hide under tents or outdoor pavilions

If your skin tingles and your hair stands on end, lightning is about to strike so you SHOULD:

Crouch down
Balance on balls of your feet
Place hands on knees with your head between them
Make yourself the smallest target possible
Minimise contact with the ground
If in a group spread at least 20 feet apart
Avoid water such as swimming pools or lakes
Remove jewellery , watches or metal belts
Stand on plastic sheet or rucksack to minimise conductivity

It is also advised to stay in your shelter for 30 minutes after the last flash before going outside as half of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed. Apparently it is also a myth that lightning never strikes in the same place twice. The first rule of advice from all the official sources are to plan ahead and avoid being outside if a storm is expected, but if you get caught out like I did today at least we know now what we should do.