[pct-l] Thunder Storms

[Tortoise]

More important than a weather radio is to get to know the clouds and what 
they portend. You want to be able to do a reality check on the forecast 
from somewhere else with what is likely to happen where you are.

Tortoise

<> Because truth matters.  <>

On 01/31/11 05:46, Mike Chapman wrote:
> Thanks everyone,I think im gonna try to find a small weatherband radio.
>
> On 1/30/11, Tortoise<Tortoise73 at charter.net>  wrote:
>> Others will probably have more specifics. Searching the web you can find
>> good advice as well as BS.
>>
>> General rules:
>>
>>       get off of high places like ridge tops and peaks and get low.
>>       stay away from bodies of water such as lakes.
>>       being amongst trees is good but don't sit next to the trunks and stay
>> away from the tallest trees.
>>       beware of caves and rock overhangs unless the air gap above your head
>> is greater than your height above the ground.
>>       squatting down helps as does sitting on a foam pad; combo is a bit
>> better
>>       if with others keep at least 50 feet (~17 meters) between each person.
>> reason -- if one is hit by lightening, others won't also be and can render
>> first aid (&  last rites? (:-(
>>       being in a tent with metal tent poles may increase your risk.
>>
>>       avoidance is best -- pay attention to the weather and avoid
>> unnecessary risk.
>>
>>       I was on a peak top in Yosemite leading a group. I stood up and
>> someone else commented "John, you hair is standing on end." I put my hand
>> up and could feel the charge on my arms. I ordered the group to hike down
>> to lower ground immediately. We all survived without problems. Though there
>> were a couple who thought that sheltering underneath a rock overhang was
>> smart -- it wasn't, but they were OK because there wasn't a strike close to
>> where they were.
>>
>>
>> Tortoise
>>
>> <>  Because truth matters.<>
>>
>> On 01/30/11 07:37, Mike Chapman wrote:
>>> Well last night I was finishing an all day trek(around 9pm),about 3
>>> miles from home. The night sky lit up like crazy and a bolt with about
>>> 5-10 strikes slammed the ground,the sound was the loudest ive ever
>>> heard,one after another. It looked and sounded like huge bombs going
>>> off! This was something I have not planned for,and was easy to forget
>>> till last night. It scared the %$#@ out of me and got me nervous about
>>> strikes in the high country or desert. Whats the best thing to do if
>>> this was to happen on the trail? Do I stay under trees? Do I run from
>>> the trees? Any close call storys?
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>>
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