Lightning strikes may seem far-fetched, but can happen at any moment. Lightning prediction and prevention is necessary to minimize risk and preserve safety. A good public safety and risk management plan relies on good forecasting – and better data. So how can you predict lightning and prevent incidents?
1. Implement Lightning Detection Systems
Lightning detection systems provide early alerts and warnings for inbound, lightning-laden storms. By evaluating a number of atmospheric conditions, these systems can determine the presence of lightning and likelihood of a deadly strike long before it happens.
2. Use Your Eyes and Ears
You have few better real time warning systems than your own senses. The sight of storm clouds and the sound of thunder are almost surefire signs that lightning is on the way. Trust your instincts and implement risk prevention protocols at the first sign of lightning storms.
3. Study Historical Weather Data
It’s said the best predictor of the future is the past. By evaluating historical weather data, you can identify trends in weather conditions depending on current or recent climatological factors, time of year, and more to determine when lightning is more likely to form and strike. Historical data lets you:
- Identify patterns over time, including increasing seasonal likelihood of lightning
- Pinpoint preexisting weather conditions that may lead to lightning
- Understand both short-term and long-term cycles in weather formation
4. Understand Data Analytics and Weather Models
More than just understanding historical weather data, using data analytics and weather models lets you view weather data in real-time to project how existing conditions will impact lightning formation. Many sporting organizations rely on this sort of risk assessment and projection to determine safety parameters before games, protecting both players and spectators.
5. Try Earth Networks’ Total Lightning Network and Sferic Maps
Find out how Earth Networks offers a real time lightning tracking and detection network to provide outdoor alerts using proprietary, highly sophisticated sensor technology. Combined with the layered analytics of Earth Networks’ Sferic maps, the lightning alert system offer location detection and the most advanced lightning prediction on the market with 50% faster dangerous thunderstorm alerts.
