10 Things You Should Do When Caught in a Thunderstorm with High Winds and Lightning

You're out on Lake Wallenpaupack, the skies darken, and a storm rolls in. As we move through spring and begin to head into summer, fast moving storms seem to be a common aspect of lake life, at least in the Tri-State area.  Here are some things you may want to consider, whether you are an avid boater or just a visitor to the lake community.

#1. Check the Forecast Before You Head Out

Check hourly forecasts, using NOAA weather radio, apps like MyRadar or WeatherBug, and being familiar with local storm patterns in the region. We even have weather info right on our website, along the right side of each page. There is no excuse for not knowing the forecast.

#2. Recognize the Early Warning Signs

Some things to consider, like a sudden drop in temperature, darkening clouds, increasing wind, and distant thunder. Readers should heed the “30/30 rule” (if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, seek shelter). One of the ways I can tell rain is coming is that leaves on trees start to flip up--exposing the underside of the leaf itself. It's a result of changing pressure as the storm moves in.

#3. Get to Shore Immediately if You're Boating

If you're on a lake like Hopatcong or Wallenpaupack, your first instinct should be to head to the nearest safe shoreline. Avoid staying on the water where you're more vulnerable to lightning strikes and strong waves. We know... it's hard to really accept that this is really "the last cast" (is it ever really true?), but trust us--it's not worth a catastrophic mistake!

#4. Avoid Tall, Isolated Objects and Open Spaces

On land, stay away from single trees, flagpoles, or high ridges. Crouch low if you're caught in the open—but don’t lie flat, as it increases ground current exposure. If you are holding a fishing rod, drop it! While it's true that fishing rods aren't going to increase the chances of a lightning strike, they are good conductors of electricity, particularly those made of carbon fiber.