Thunder Storm advice from a forecaster with the NWS

[lauraelmore1033]

Oh dear,
last year I was on an organized ride during a thunderstorm. I was sure people would start looking for cover, but they all continued on as if nothing were happening. I asked a guy if we should maybe consider getting out of the storm and his reply was something to the effect that: he would be fine since his bike was full carbon--everybody else could do what they liked. I just kept going, figuring that there must not be any danger and besides, there were plenty of really tall people in the field that would likely get struck first, but in hind sight, that seems pretty daft. Luckily, no one was hurt, but I guess we could have been??

[NoNo]

I should add that as someone who was struck by lightning through the phone (mom was calling to tell us to unplug the tv - too late), I don't mess with storms. Are the odds in your favor that nothing will happen? Sure, but why even tempt fate? When there's a storm, I stay inside, and avoid using the shower or phone. Don't have to tell me twice!

[MartianDestiny]

Honestly, I didn't find that very helpful.

Yea, "stay inside", etc. I get it, great lawyeresse, and not bad advice either if a storm is eminent. (but not particularly new or novel advice...)

Frankly though, if I sat on my rear on the couch every time there was a "chance of scattered thunderstorms" I would NEVER go outside during the spring/summer/fall (MONTHS at a time) and 80-90% of the time it never even rains on those days; though it will cloud over for a few hours or maybe I'll see the storm in the distance.

Much better to advise people on what to do if they find themselves "stuck". Where to go, where not to go. What's relatively safe, what isn't. When it may be better to keep going and when you should definitely seek out a safer area to stay put. You can do enough, even in the middle of nowhere, to reduce your lightening strike risk to even nearer nill than it already is, but they don't mention any of that. And when you live somewhere where afternoon thunderstorms are regular events THAT'S the information you need, because they'll pop up out of clear blue sky in a matter of minutes and there's not a darn thing you can do about it. (no, I'm not exaggerating)

People need to be smart, informed, proactive about the weather, not necessarily told to avoid any chance of it at all costs. One day, when best laid plans don't pan out, and you can't avoid it THEN what are you going to do? THAT'S when you need a plan, and easily memorable advice from experts/experienced individuals. Not when you are sitting on your couch deciding if you should ride/backpack/take the cross country tour or not.