Watch out for lightning in the North: EC meteorologist

You may not associate thunder and lightning storms with the North, but these can occur, warns Environment Canada. (PHOTO COURTESY OF EC)

On June 18, people in the South Baffin community of Kimmirut woke up to the rumbling sounds of thunder.

That prompted Yvonne Bilan-Wallace, Environment Canada’s warning preparedness meteorologist, to issue a warning June 20 that advises northerners to watch out for lightning.

“We don’t associate the thundery skies, tornadoes and golf ball size hail, experienced in southern Canada, with the North,” she said. “Yes, lightning may occur less frequently above the treeline and tornadoes are very rare, but a summer storm is still a topic that everyone should be prepared for.”

If a summer storm is moving in at 50 kilometres per hour and you can see it 10 km away, that means you might have about 12 minutes to make it to shore, if you’re in a boat, or to seek safe shelter, if you’re on land.

“Never mind that strong gusty winds can hit when the storm is still 20 km away. Lightning bolts have also been observed to hit more than 40 km from the storm,” she said.

Bilan-Wallace recommends securing loose items like canoes so they don’t start flying around during a storm.

“Respect for the potentially destructive power of weather means planning ahead and knowing what is safe and not safe. Everyone should remember, if you hear thunder roar, you need to get indoors. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard to leave your shelter,” she said.

The sound of thunder rarely travels further than 20 km, so if a storm moves at for example 50 km/h, you might only have about 22 minutes to find a safe place.

If you are caught outdoors in a storm, don’t be the tallest object and don’t stand near the tallest object, Bilan-Wallace warns.

“Think low and small. Don’t stay on or in the water. Water is a great electricity conductor and the associated storm can kick up some nasty waves and winds far in advance of the thundercloud.”

You should also stay away from electrical conductors, such as bikes, metal fences, all-terrain vehicles, fishing poles and metal boats.

“Don’t group. Keep several yards apart. Horizontal arching has been measured up to 20 m from the point lightning hits the ground.” Bilan-Wallace said. “Being struck by lightning does not mean you suffered a direct hit.”

When you are indoors during a thunder storm, don’t use electrical appliances or telephones, although you can use battery operated devices. But don’t wash dishes or take a shower.

“Remember water is a good conductor. Keep away from windows. Glass won’t stop lightning. Keep away from metal stoves, pipes, radiators, sinks,” she said.

And if your hair starts to stand up??

“Look out… you are definitely in the strike zone! Remember if you hear thunder, it is a threat. Take action,” she said. “While only a small percentage of lightning strike victims die, many survivors have lifelong disabilities.”