Approaching thunderstorms What to watch out for in the event of thunder and lightning
After the heat, there is a local threat of thunder and lightning in Switzerland. But what is the best way to behave during thunderstorms? You should follow these tips.
After the first hot days of the year, the thermometer is climbing to over 30 degrees in many places again this Thursday. But as hot as it promises to be in the afternoon, the sun could quickly give way to rain and summer thunderstorms from the evening and into Friday.
A "huge thunderstorm complex over France" is responsible for the approaching thunderstorms, as MeteoNews writes. Heavy thunderstorms are expected in Ticino and western Switzerland in particular. "The tendency for thunderstorms is increasing from day to day", SRF Meteo also reports. In the late evening and during the night, "heavy thunderstorms are also possible in the lowlands".
Reason enough to ponder a timeless question: what is the best way to behave when it is thundering, lightning and raining heavily?
1. seek shelter in buildings or cars
The best protection in a storm is a solid building or alternatively a closed car. In buildings without lightning protection for power and supply lines, electrical appliances should be unplugged during thunderstorms and corded telephones should not be used. All windows and doors should also be closed.
2. seek shelter outdoors and crouch down
In the great outdoors, walkers or cyclists should crouch down in hollows, hollow paths, under rocky outcrops or reinforced concrete bridges, clasp their legs and lower their heads. The distance to other people or bicycles should be at least one meter. Metal objects such as tools or sports equipment should also be kept as far away as possible. Tents offer no protection.
According to "Allianz", metal poles can offer protection from a height of three meters and a distance of one meter.
3. avoid trees and water
The saying "Avoid oaks, look for beeches" is wrong. Tall, free-standing trees should always be avoided, as should masts and fences. According to MeteoSwiss, mountain ridges and towers should also be avoided.
Walkers should also crouch down and protect themselves in the forest. The danger is generally lower in the midst of many trees than in open areas. Staying in the water is absolutely taboo.
4. observe the 30-30 rule
If less than 30 seconds pass between lightning and thunder, the thunderstorm is still around ten kilometers away, i.e. very close. It is then advisable to seek shelter. The danger is only averted 30 minutes after the last thunder and lightning.
5. do not enter riverbeds
You should never enter streams and rivers that appear to be dry. This is because they can quickly fill with water during heavy rainfall - there is a danger to life.
6. protect buildings in advance
Basements and other low-lying areas should be protected against the ingress of water in good time if there is a risk of flooding. In addition, sinkholes and drainage channels should be free of leaves and other debris.
7. adapt your driving style and stop if necessary
Heavy rain can severely impair visibility on the road. Drivers should therefore adapt their driving style. In the event of storms and hail, it is advisable to stop in a parking lot or at the side of the road in a tree-free area and wait.
8. emergency call only in an emergency
Accidents and fires must be reported immediately. However, damage that does not pose an acute danger should only be reported after the storm has passed so that the emergency lines remain free for emergencies during the storm.
9. remain cautious after the thunderstorm
According to MeteoSwiss, caution should be exercised after the thunderstorm, for example with regard to falling branches and bodies of water that have burst their banks. Fallen cables should also not be touched.