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FROM THE EDITOR

LOVING ELECTRIC

STORMS - AT A

DISTANCE

he rainy season has finally announced to forget the basics of hiking safety when
itself with a few spectacular electric rushing out the door and setting off to meet
Tstorms, which always galvanise me a group of hikers keen to get going. Wearing
into action, to unplug essential electronic comfortable shoes, dressing in layers,
devices from the wall sockets. I love the thrill taking a rain jacket, first aid kit, sun block
of electric storms, provided they are putting and enough water – these are essentials.
on their show way over in the distance. Knowing the route and what the weather is
likely to do are also important because if one
One of our articles this month, by Amanda is going to be out in the open countryside for
Pillai, is about day hikes around Joburg and four or more hours, one might have to figure
it brings to mind an interesting conversation out how best to cope with being in the midst you are close to it, is in your hard-topped
I had a year ago with a seasoned hiker who of a Highveld storm. vehicle. The metal acts as a cage (but you
I met on a weekend away at Wathaba, near should avoid touching the frame of the car)
Machadodorp in Mpumalanga. When those dark clouds start to gather, and the tyres act as insulation.
the National Weather Service’s advice is
It was our second day of hiking and to move down from koppies, ridges and When you are far from base, however, you
the weather was rapidly closing in with elevated areas as quickly as possible. Don’t should move lower down the trail to make
an ominous lightning storm brewing. I stand under an isolated tree, never lie flat sure there is higher ground above you - but
mentioned to this gentleman that instead of on the ground, don’t use a rocky outcrop stay above the flood level of rivers, as flash
a walking stick, (thinking that I’d been such for shelter, or stand close to a cliff face, floods are possible if the rain is torrential. If
a clever Trevor-ette), I’d brought along an and stay away from metal fences, power you’re completely exposed out in the open,
umbrella for just such an event. But then, lines, and any other metal structure, such crouch down, tuck your arms and knees in,
as I opened it, it occurred to both of us that as a windmill. They also say you shouldn’t and keep your feet together. And if you’re
it was the worst possible thing I could do lean against a concrete wall or stand on a in a group, stay 30m away from each other.
under the circumstances. Sticking out of concrete floor because of the metal mesh If the storm is directly overhead, cover your
the top was a metal spike, and the handle often used inside for support. ears and try to hold your breath or breathe
was made of pure metal with just a thin shallowly (as they say that electrically-
layer of plastic at the end. There we were, If you do manage to get back to base during charged air could damage your lungs).
at the top of a ridge and I’m waving around the storm, don’t go immediately to shower,
the perfect lightning conductor. Clearly, the or even wash your hands, as the lightning No matter where you are, following the
manufacturers had given no thought to the could travel through the plumbing and shock 30-30 rule is good advice. After you see
hazards of carrying such an object through you. lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder
an electric storm. before you reach 30, you need to get to
Those are a lot of don’ts. So, what should safety. And after the storm has passed, wait
Like Amanda, I love hiking, but it’s easy you do? One of the safest places to be, if for 30 minutes before continuing along the
trail.

They do say that using an umbrella ‘slightly’
increases your odds of being struck by
lightning. And if your hair shows signs of
static, your chances of being struck are
much higher.
On the Highveld, where afternoon storms
are frequent during summer, it’s best to plan
your hikes for the early mornings. But in
any event, if the weather service forecasts
thunderstorms, it’s better to re-schedule your
outdoor activity, rather than put yourself at
risk.
As we have already found out this year, for
other reasons – nothing is more important
than one’s health, so till next time, take care
and stay safe!
Ann
Warm regards,

EDITOR
Ann Arnott
annar@nowmedia.co.za

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