Guidelines for Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm Near a Lone Tree
A thunderstorm can be a potentially dangerous situation, especially if you find yourself in an open field near a lone tree. Here are some guidelines to help you minimize the risk of being hit by lightning, whether directly or indirectly through a ground strike or side flash.
Height of the Tree
Lightning tends to strike the tallest objects, making trees in an open field a particular concern. The general rule is to keep a distance of at least 1.5 times the height of the tree from it. For example, if the tree is 20 feet tall, you should stay at least 30 feet away from it. This rule helps reduce the likelihood of being struck by a direct lightning strike.
General Safety Distance
In addition to the height-based calculation, it is advisable to maintain a general safety distance of at least 6 meters (20 feet) from any tree during a thunderstorm, even if it is not the tallest object around. This setback distance provides an added layer of protection in case the tree is struck by lightning.
Avoid Open Areas
Open areas increase your risk of being the tallest object, which makes you a more attractive target for lightning. Therefore, if you find yourself in an open field, your best course of action is to crouch down to reduce your height. Squatting down and hugging your knees with your head tucked in can help reduce your profile and lower your risk of being directly struck. However, it's still critically important to prioritize seeking shelter in a building or a car if you can do so.
Seek Shelter
The most safest option during a thunderstorm is to find a solid structure or a car to stay in until the storm passes. If you cannot find shelter within a building or vehicle, consider seeking a low-lying area that is not exposed and away from any trees or other tall objects. This can help you avoid being the tallest object in the vicinity.
Additional Precautions
Even if you follow the above guidelines, there's still a risk of being hit by lightning, even when you're 20 to 30 feet away from a tree. In such situations, it's essential to perform the lightning crouch. Crouch down, hugging your knees with your head tucked between them, and block your ears with your hands. This position significantly reduces the risk of permanent hearing loss or electrocution. Additionally, staying low decreases the chances of receiving a severe side flash or ground strike, which can cause burns or other injuries.
Living in a city with frequent thunderstorms, I’ve seen my trees, including a spruce tree, struck by lightning multiple times. These trees are often favored targets for lightning strikes. If a tree is repeatedly hit, it’s safer to stay away from it during thunderstorms. Tree branches and needles can become lightning rods, increasing the probability of a strike.
Ultimately, during a thunderstorm, it's crucial to prioritize finding shelter in a safe structure, whether a house, car, or even a group of buildings. If no shelter is available, maintain the suggested safe distances and minimize your height to further reduce the risk of a lightning strike.