Camping in a Thunderstorm

If you go camping often the chances are that sooner or later you will encounter severe thunderstorm. Hopefully your tent is waterproof and you are prepared for camping in the rain. Never set up your tent under the tallest tree or on the hilltop in the open. In general wooded areas or even hilly open areas (as long as not on the peak) are considered safe.

It is advisable to always check the weather forecast before you go camping and backpacking. It is wise to avoid being caught in a storm, since besides catching a cold it can pose a serious risk of a lightning. Nature will not adjust its schedule for you, so you’d better adjust yours.

When you can see or hear the thunderstorm coming it is wise to seek shelter immediately. The best thing would be to get inside of any building, RV or car. Stay away from the windows, pipes, wires, electrical fixtures and equipment and outlets. In a car do not keep your hands on a steering wheel, gear, ignition or radio.

In the backcountry move to lower elevations and avoid open areas, especially mountain tops or ridges. If you happen to be on a mountain descend quickly. Do not seek shelter under tall trees, or any trees in an open area.

If lightning strike all around, you can estimate how far is it from your location and if it coming closer or  moving away. Count the number of seconds between the flash and the thunder and divide it by 5 to get the distance in miles or by 3 to have it in kilometeres. But remember that electrical currents may travel far in the air, ground and water as well as along metal conductors such as wires, bridge railings, fences etc. Even if the storm is moving away does not mean that the danger passed.

Often when the strike is imminent and the currents are building up you will feel you hair stand up on ends, your skin tingle and small metal objects vibrate. You may still have a few moments to get any metal off your body and get your body down in a squat and minimize your contact with the earth by putting your feet together. You may stand on a foam mattress  or sleeping bag if available. Do not stand or squat with feet apart, do not lay on the ground. Tuck your head and cover your ears with your hands. Do not huddle in a group. Get away from each other. This way if someone gets hit there will be others who can get help.

Lighting may cause a lot of damage including burns, cardiac and respiratory arrest. Some injuries may be internal and not easily recognizable. It is crucial to provide some first aid for burns and CPR for breathing and then seek medical attention.

As I stressed many times before, if you go camping with kids have an emergency plan ready. Know where the closest hospital is and how to get there. If you are far from civilization have a GPS navigator and beacon like SPOT with you and send an emergency signal.