Hikers should always be aware of the surroundings and be mindful of when thunderstorms are or will be present, noting the location of the nearest place where shelter may be taken and making a plan to get there before the storm hits. These hikers cannot eliminate the risks associated with thunderstorms and lightning, but with proper action can reduce their risks. The most common mistakes visitors to Grand Canyon make during thunderstorms is not avoiding the rim or neglecting to find proper shelter.īackcountry travelers who encounter thunderstorms in the canyon do not typically have a structure to use as a safe haven. If lightning begins to strike (or you hear thunder, a product of lightning), take shelter in the structure, being sure to avoid metal surfaces and making sure your windows are rolled up if inside a vehicle. Keep in mind that the nearest structure to you may be your vehicle or a shuttle bus if on the rim. If you are in an established area such as parts of the rim or a developed campground, always be aware of the location of the nearest structure and know how long it will take you to get there. If you see a thunderstorm building in the distance while standing on the canyon’s rim or hiking its backcountry, a few simple precautions should be taken to avoid injury by lightning. If you are unsure how far away lightning is, just remember “If you see it, flee it! If you hear it, clear it!” Be aware, however, that high danger from lightning may continue for as much as thirty minutes after the last noticeable lightning strike or thunderclap. If you are within six miles (or thirty seconds) of the lightning, you are in the “high danger zone” and should seek cover from the storm. To find the distance of lightning in kilometers, divide the number of seconds by three instead of five. For example, if you count ten seconds between the lightning strike and the thunder, you are approximately two miles from the lightning itself. Dividing that number by five gives you the number of miles between you and the bolt of lightning. For this reason, it is important to know how close a thunderstorm actually is and when to take cover.Īn easy way to know the distance of a thunderstorm from your location is to count the number of seconds between the lightning strike and the resulting thunder. However, they also bring strong thunderstorms that produce lightning, a powerful force of electricity that reaches temperatures of 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can travel upwards of ten miles from its parent thundercloud. These storms bring the much needed rain that the dry desert landscape requires to flourish. The Grand Canyon region experiences a monsoon season each summer that typically starts in early July and lasts into September. I hope you left the area and found cover! If you have experienced the skin prickles or hair-raising, an electrical charge was building where you were standing which means lightning had a high probability of striking in that very spot. Have you ever stood outside during a thunderstorm and had your hair stand on end or felt sharp prickles on your skin? If you have had this happen and are listening to this podcast you are one lucky person! Thunderstorms create an electrical charge in the air which is ultimately released by a lightning strike. Greetings once again from Grand Canyon National Park’s Backcountry Information Center Podcast! This is Ranger Andrea bringing you words from the wise about lightning safety at Grand Canyon. Remember: when thunder roars, go indoors ! Do not touch rock walls or any metal on vehicles or structures.
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