06/18/2026
Happy Thursday! Now that we are getting into the warmer weather months that we all look forward to, there is another weather occurrence that is on our horizon, lightning storms.
During a thunderstorm the air is charged with electricity. Bolts of lightning hit the ground at about 40,000 km per second -- so fast that the series of strikes hitting the ground appear as a single bolt.
Things to do in a lightning storm:
1. Estimate how far away the lightning is -- every second between the flash of lightning and the thunderclap equals 300 meters. If you count fewer that 30 seconds, take shelter immediately.
2. If indoors, stay away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, sinks, bathtubs, appliances, metal pipes, telephones, and other things which conduct electricity. (You can use a cellular phone.)
3. Unplug radios, computers, televisions and other electronic equipment.
4. Do not go to rescue the laundry on the clothesline as it conducts electricity.
5. If outdoors, take shelter in a building, ditch or a culvert but never under a tree
6. If caught in the open, do not lie flat but crouch in the leapfrog position and lower your head.
These tips will keep you safe if one of those Manitoba thunderstorms we have all experienced brings some lightning with it.
7.Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, or golf carts or use metal tools as they conduct electricity.
8. If swimming or in a boat, get back to shore immediately.
9.If you are in a car, stay there but pull away from trees which might fall on you.
10. You may resume activity 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
Have a great day and stay safe!
