Top Tips for Lightning Safety on a Hike

By Cherry Judge, Townsville Bushwalking Club 

When you're out exploring nature's wonders, few things can turn deadly faster than a thunderstorm rolling in. 

Lightning strikes cause approximately 400 injuries annually in the United States, with around 50 fatalities each year. In Australia, the statistics are equally sobering: between five and ten Australians die from lightning strikes every year, with over 100 people injured annually. Notably, about 80 of these Australian injuries result from using landline telephones during thunderstorms. 

For hikers in regions like North Queensland, where northern Australia experiences some of the highest lightning activity on the continent, with millions of strikes recorded during storm seasons. Understanding proper lightning safety could save your life.

The 30-30 Rule: Your First Line of Defense

The cornerstone of lightning safety is the scientifically-backed 30-30 Rule, endorsed by the National Weather Service and NOAA:

First 30: When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If you count less than 30 seconds, the storm is within 10 kilometers and you're in the danger zone. Seek shelter immediately. Each second represents approximately 300 metres of distance.

Second 30: After the last rumble of thunder or flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. Remember, half of all lightning deaths occur after a storm appears to have passed.

Research from the National Severe Storms Laboratory shows that lightning can strike up to 16-24 kilometres (10-15 miles) from a thunderstorm's core, even when skies appear relatively clear. This makes the "when thunder roars, go indoors" mantra critical. If you can hear it, you're close enough to be struck.

Finding Safe Shelter: What Works and What Doesn't

Safe Shelter Options:

• Substantial buildings with electrical wiring and plumbing (homes, offices, visitor centers)
• Hard-topped metal vehicles with windows rolled up completely
• Large enclosed structures, not picnic shelters or trail huts

Unsafe "Shelters" to Avoid:

• Picnic pavilions, gazebos, and open-sided structures
• Trail shelters (multiple people have been struck at exposed trail shelters)
• Tents and convertible vehicles
• Under isolated trees (the second leading cause of lightning casualties)
• Caves and rocky overhangs (contrary to popular belief, these are dangerous)

Caught in the Open? Here's What Science Says

For decades, hikers were taught the "lightning crouch" position. However, in 2008, the National Weather Service stopped recommending this practice after research found it provides no measurable safety benefit. According to lightning safety specialists, including those at the National Lightning Safety Council, the crouch creates a false sense of security and extends time spent in danger.

If You Cannot Reach Safe Shelter:

1. Descend quickly from ridges, peaks, and exposed areas
2. Move to lower elevations and into forests with uniform tree cover
3. Avoid isolated tall objects including single trees, poles, and rock formations
4. Spread out if in a group (at least 4.5-6m/15-20 feet apart) to increase survivor chances
5. Drop metal objects including trekking poles, backpack frames, and fishing rods
6. Move away from water including streams, ponds, and wet trails
7. Keep moving toward shelter rather than crouching in place

Research from the National Severe Storms Laboratory confirms that if caught in an open field, your best strategy is to run toward the safest available option, whether that's lower ground or a stand of uniformly-sized trees.

Understanding Ground Current: The Hidden Danger

Direct strikes account for only a portion of lightning injuries. Ground current, which spreads outward from a strike point up to 90 meters (100 yards), causes a significant percentage of casualties. This is why you should:

• Avoid lying flat on the ground
• Stay clear of water channels and metal fences (lightning can travel along these)
• Move away from recently struck objects or areas
• Never huddle in groups - electrical current can jump between people

Special Considerations for Australian Hikers

North Queensland and northern Australia experience particularly intense lightning activity. Bureau of Meteorology data shows that northern Australia receives the highest concentration of thunderstorm days and lightning flash density on the continent. During the wet season buildup (October-April), thunderstorm activity intensifies dramatically, with multiple millions of lightning strikes recorded across Queensland and the Northern Territory during active periods.

Plan Your Hikes Accordingly:

• Check weather forecasts before heading out
• Plan to descend from exposed areas by noon during storm season
• Monitor approaching storms on the horizon
• Be aware that tropical thunderstorms can develop rapidly with minimal warning
• Afternoon thunderstorms are particularly common in northern regions

What to Do if Someone is Struck

People struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely touched. Immediate action can be life-saving:

1. Call 000 immediately
2. Move to safety if you're still in a high-risk area
3. Check for breathing and pulse
4. Begin CPR if needed - lightning often causes cardiac arrest
5. Treat for shock and burns
6. Continue care until emergency services arrive

The Bottom Line

No place outside is truly safe during a thunderstorm. The best lightning safety strategy is prevention: monitor weather conditions, plan accordingly, and act decisively at the first sign of lightning or thunder. While outdoor adventures are thrilling, they're only enjoyable when you return home safely.

Remember: Lightning doesn't wait for you to finish your hike or reach the perfect summit photo spot. When nature rumbles its warning, listen and act immediately.

References:

1. National Severe Storms Laboratory (NOAA) Lightning Research https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/research/lightning/
2. National Weather Service Lightning Safety Guidelines https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning
3. Bureau of Meteorology Australia Thunder and Lightning Maps http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/thunder-lightning/index.jsp
4. Powell T, Charnigo A, Yee J. Lightning Strike. Journal of Education in Teaching Emergency Medicine. 2022;7(2):S78-S106. https://jetem.org/lightning-strike/
5. National Weather Service. The National Weather Service (NWS) stopped recommending the crouch in 2008. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-crouch
6. Coates L, Blong R, Siciliano F. Lightning fatalities in Australia, 1824-1991. Natural Hazards. 1993;8:217-233. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00690909
7. Australia Wide First Aid. How to Reduce Your Risk of Being Struck by Lightning. 2022. https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/how-to-reduce-your-risk-of-being-struck-by-lightning
8. Australia Wide First Aid. Lightning Strikes. 2022. https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/lightning-strikes
9. University of Western Australia. Lightning Strike Safety Fact Sheet. Referenced in search results for Australian lightning statistics
10. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Electrical injuries, deaths and hospitalisations 2014–15 and 2015–16. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/electrical-injuries-deaths-hospitalisations-14-16/summary