{"id":4323,"date":"2019-06-03T14:36:54","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T12:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/?p=4323"},"modified":"2024-07-18T17:05:37","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T15:05:37","slug":"camping-thunderstorm-protcetion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/camping-thunderstorm-protcetion\/","title":{"rendered":"Camping in a thunderstorm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The sky is darkening, the clouds are growing bigger and within fifteen minutes a violent thunderstorm is going to explode above you – a quite common scenario during summer time. For those of you who happen to be outside camping during such weather conditions the following rules of behavior might be important. Together with our colleague and outdoor expert Michael B\u00f6siger we\u2019ll explain what to keep in mind when sleeping in a tent during a thunderstorm. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summer, such brutal heat thunderstorms can swiftly occur in the mountains. These thunderstorms are usually accompanied by heavy rainfall, wind gusts and hail. If you are forced to sleep in a tent in such a situation it is crucial to look out for an appropriate spot offering enough protection – not only from lightning strikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You shouldn\u2019t underestimate the chances of being hit by lightning. Still, it\u2019s essential to keep a thunderstorm\u2019s additional hazards in mind: windstorms can easily destroy your tent and tear it off the ground. Heavy rainfalls can flood it and make it moist. If worst comes to worst torrents or even landslides can come down the mountainside. You are to thoroughly consider all these things if signs of a thunderstorm catch your eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tatonka tip: <\/strong>The most important rule is to constantly observe the weather. Look up the weather forecast beforehand and, from time to time, keep checking whether there\u2019s a change of conditions. If you\u2019d have any doubt about it, you better turn around or find yourself a safe place in time. Even though it appears like there\u2019s friendly and warm weather, you\u2019d never leave home without rainproof and warm clothing. Especially in the mountains, thunderstorms mostly involve heavy drops of temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Thunderclouds<\/a>
Camping in a thunderstorm can be very dangerous, especially in the mountains.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Take cover: during thunderstorms a tent is no safe place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If possible, you should – especially in the mountains – try to seek shelter in a solid building, like an alpine hut, as a thunderstorm is approaching. A vehicle, if nearby, could be used as a safe place as well. A tent, on the other hand, offers no protection from lightning at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared to a car a tent can\u2019t work as a faradic cage, which is able to carry the electricity from its surface into the ground surrounding. If a lightning bolt hits a tent the energy will unevenly be discharged through the tent\u2019s frame into the soil. Therefor, the energy jumps or breaks through the isolated spots. Consequently, electric potential accumulates in the soil beneath – dangerous step voltage is the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s people nearby the tent\u2019s frame, whose bodies are better connected with the ground than the tent\u2019s poles, there can be the danger of unloading sparks. This is life-threatening since electricity would run through the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we can see, a tent is no protection against lightning. If you can\u2019t find any shelter at all – on a trekking tour<\/a> for example – the right campground and appropriate rules of behavior are paramount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also interesting:<\/strong> Tips from outdoor-professional Michael B\u00f6siger on how to bivouack<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encampment – which spot is least perilous during thunderstorm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To reduce the possibility of being hit by lightning you need to consider a few important aspects for your encampment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid exposed places like hills, mountain crests or river banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also at the edge of the forest or under free-standing trees, you should not open your tent at risk of thunderstorms under any circumstances. Within a densely grown forest, on the other hand, the risk of being hit by lightning isn\u2019t any higher than in other places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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High quality tents by Tatonka<\/h3>\n\t\t

In our online shop you will find tents<\/strong> in different sizes and designs.<\/p>\n\t\t

To the products<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s not enough time to find a proper place for your camp or the thunderstorm is already too close, it can make sense to not pitching you tent at all. Maybe you can find an alpine hut, a ledge or a cave to endure the storm in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crucial: <\/strong>metal equipment like hiking poles, piolets, climbing irons, carabiners, but also cookware like cookers, pots or mugs can attract lightning. Store them a few meters apart water-tightly packed in a safe spot. Same goes for being close to a via ferrata: the iron ladders and ropes carry electricity particularly well. Always keep safe distance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also interesting:<\/strong> How to make fire in the wild<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid oaks, look for beeches?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The common theory that in case of a thunderstorm people are to seek cover under an oak tree is utter nonsense. All kinds of trees do equally attract lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the lightning\u2019s impact on the trees can differ: an oak\u2019s rugged, thick bark contains more water than others. The fluid spreads over a large surface. If a lightning bolt should hit it, the damage usually looks devastating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Camping<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On a beech\u2019s level bark, the water simply runs down the surface to the ground. This carries the lightning directly into the soil without causing any obvious damage. Anyway, the peril for those taking cover is equally high below both kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you should also avoid are power poles and high-voltage lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also intersting:<\/strong> Which tent type are you?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to behave in tent during thunderstorm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s too late leaving the tent for a safe place, you want to consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n