JACKSON, Wyo. — Thunderstorm season is here in Jackson Hole and with it comes the dangers of lightning strikes.
According to a recent forecast by Buckrail Meteorologist Alan Smith, “Generally speaking, showers and thunderstorms will be most likely during the afternoon and early evening hours over the next week.”
The slogan, “When thunder roars, go indoors” is posted on signs along the bike paths, and acts as a reminder: if you can hear thunder, you are possibly within striking distance.
Last summer, a backpacker was struck and killed by lightning in the Teton Wilderness. Rescuers called the incident a “random accident” and noted that the fourteen-person group reacted “by the book.”
The National Weather Service suggests that if you are outside, seek shelter in a building or metal-topped vehicle. Stay in a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
If you are outside and no substantial shelter is available last-resort risk reduction tips include:
- Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks.
- Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
- Avoid open fields.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
- Never lie flat on the ground.
- If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, ditch or other low area. A tent offers no protection from lighting.
- If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
- Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
- Stay away from water, wet items such as ropes and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.
The National Weather Service notes that the tips above slightly lessen the threat of being struck.
