You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark

Summer is here, the heat is on and so is the threat of severe weather that can bring dangerous lightning. While many fear shark attacks, statistics show that the odds of being struck by lightning are much higher, with a chance of 1 in 500,000 compared to the 1 in 3.75 million odds of a shark attack. That is why it is crucial for organizations to develop comprehensive lightning safety plans that account for this significant risk.

Understanding Your Risk

Lightning poses a significant threat to outdoor operations. Research indicates that 90% of lightning strikes occur within a 5- to 6-mile radius of a storm's rainfall, while 10% can occur up to 10 miles away. Treating cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning strikes equally in your safety plan is essential. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the risk of lightning strikes preceding rainfall.

The Importance of Timely Warnings

When it comes to lightning, every minute counts. To ensure your organization's safety, it is recommended to utilize AccuWeather's expert meteorologists who can provide crucial lead time. Services like AccuWeather SkyGuard® Warnings offer actionable triggers in emergency plans, helping you stay ahead of the storm and take appropriate measures to protect lives and property.

Challenges with the “30:30 Rule”

The widely known "30:30 Rule" states that people should seek shelter if the time between a lightning flash and the sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less. However, this rule needs to be revised regarding complex operations that require time to shut down and restart. Assuming that lightning is not possible 30 minutes after the last strike can be hazardous and costly to operations. 

The Limitations of Warning Radius

It is a misconception that a larger warning radius will proportionally increase safety. Each environment is unique, and lightning can vary greatly. Some storms may produce minimal rain and only a few lightning flashes, while others generate lightning strikes up to 20 miles from the heaviest rainfall. Relying solely on a larger warning radius can lead to false alarms and raise the risk of false alarm syndrome. It is crucial to have an AccuWeather meteorologist evaluate current observations and nearby storms and analyze storm movement to address the threat of lightning effectively.

Lightning Response Tips

To mitigate the risks associated with lightning, consider the following tips:

• Use reliable lightning threat predictions: Lightning can produce the first cloud-to-ground strike within the first 10 minutes of development. Rely on AccuWeather’s expert meteorologists, who can evaluate atmospheric variables and notify you when a threat is imminent.
• Establish a clear, tested communication plan: Ensure your communication plan includes multiple ways to receive and distribute warnings to staff. Use plain language in all communications and clearly state the source of your warnings for verification purposes.
• Create an easy-to-follow emergency action guide: Develop a condensed version of your emergency action plan that staff can easily access. This guide should outline the necessary actions to be taken during severe weather emergencies, increasing response efficiency and reducing confusion.

 Be informed. Be prepared. Be protected with AccuWeather For Business.

Is your business ready when lightning is in the forecast? Let AccuWeather For Business keep you better prepared and keep your employees and customers safer. AccuWeather's SkyGuard® Warnings, backed by Superior Accuracy™, can deliver site-specific alerts and warnings before severe weather hits, giving you much-needed time to put your emergency plans into place. Want to learn more? Demo SkyGuard today.