Lightning is one of the most powerful forces in nature — and one of the most dangerous.
In the U.S., about 25 million lightning flashes occur every year, many of them during the summer and early fall across the Mountain West.
Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a thunderstorm, which means if you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be at risk.
The safest place to be is inside a building or a hard-topped vehicle.
If you’re caught outside, get below treeline and shelter in a low spot like a dry gully, or near a cluster of shorter trees.
Avoid open peaks, ridges, water, and isolated tall objects that can act as lightning rods.
If you can’t get to shelter, crouch down to minimize your contact with the ground and stay put until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
