[tps_header]Mountain hiking can be an adventurous activity, especially when the weather isn’t the way you were expecting to. Most hiking enthusiastics’ know that there is a high possibility one can climb up a mountain and encounter a storm on their journey, even though the forecast was indicating a sunny day. It is clear that in the mountains weather is unpredictable, therefore every hiker should know some basic tips if they find themselves in the middle of a storm with thunderstruck and lightning. [/tps_header]
Don’t remain on a flat terrain, on mountain peaks or exposed mountain ridges.
If the thunder storm finds you on the mountain ridge and you don’t have the possibility of climbing down rapidly, going on the middle part of the ridge is better than on its extremities.
Do you remember the funny cartoons when a character was hiding under a tree and got struck by lightning? It is actually true in real life. So, avoid searching for shelter under tall and isolated trees as they can attract a thunderstruck like a magnet.
You might say to yourself “Ok, trees aren’t really an option. But there you have an overhanging on a cliff.” Not a good solution, either. Not even the spaces under the cliffs. A better thing to do would be to huddle down on a small platform or on a spot that is at least 5 times higher than the spot you’re at the moment of the storm.
If you find a cave, make sure that it is spacious and you place yourself 1.5 m way from its walls and that you have 3,5 meters above your head. There is a chance an electric bridge may form above the cave’s opening.
While in the cave, make sure you wait for the storm to pass by while standing in a squat position, without sitting on the ground. If you’re legs hurt, you can sit but only on an insulating material such as a sleeping pad, a bundle of climbing rope, a rubber cloak or your sleeping bag.
If the storm catches you on a flat terrain, place yourself in the same squat position.
Leave your phone and other metallic objects and place them as far as possible from where you’re standing. Metal is a perfect electric conductor. Moreover, cover your ears in order to protect your hearing from the thunders that may struck nearby.
Last but not least, make sure to verify the forecast before going on a mountain journey.
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