Storm in the mountains?! Holy crap! What to do?
Although there is still some snow left in the mountains, the temperature jumped on the lowlands, and the song decided to put a stop over and, guarding its arrival with the first thunders and lightning.
Once a storm has occurred, it is hard not to notice this phenomenon. During the daytime, the phenomenon itself may not be so spectacular, but at night, the glows against the background of the dark sky look exceptional and cause, on the one hand, delight and, on the other hand, anxiety. It should not be forgotten that a storm, which would not be there, belongs to dangerous phenomena and gives us the power of nature.
If we are dealing with a storm in a city, we usually stay at this time in rooms (housing, houses) excluding electrical equipment. Even if you find yourself out of the house, we have plenty of opportunities in the city to hide from the flames and wait for the worst. There is no need to convince anyone that you should not be outdoors during a storm.
So it is worth following the weather forecasts to know what to expect on a given day.
How is a storm going to occur?
Especially in the summer months, cloud clouds formed relatively quickly lead to the formation of storm clouds, so called "cumulonimbus". They are tall, sometimes in shape resemble anvil anvil. Usually they can be observed on the south-western horizon. The appearance of the storm is accompanied by, as everyone has already had a chance to see, violent rains, sometimes hail, and strong gusts of wind.
There are two types of storms: thermal and front storms.
Thermal storms are caused by the rapid rise of humid, warm air at higher heights. This is a local phenomenon, which results from the intense radiation of the sun. Such a storm usually lasts for 1-2 hours, and after it has passed, the sunny weather usually returns.
The frontal storm is caused by a strong collision of humid and warm air with the mass of cool air. These storms are a long-term phenomenon. The storm front can stretch for several hundred kilometres from west to east. After such a storm we usually observe a change of weather and noticeable cooling.
Something serious, does it sound?
If we are frequent visitors to mountain trails, the probability that we will once find ourselves in such a stormy situation is rather inevitable. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict everything 100%.
To avoid a storm, follow the weather signals and set off on the trail early in the morning to descend down around noon. Then there is a very good chance that the storm weather will not surprise you at the tops.
What should we do if the storm phenomenon still comes as a surprise while staying in the mountains?
If you are at a height, try to get down as low as possible. Go below the back, on its leeward side, which is opposite to the approaching storm.
Under no circumstances should you be placed on the ground.
If possible, isolate yourself from the ground. Trim on your backpack or carimage. However, be careful of the metal frame. In this case, it is better to avoid close contact with the backpack. The metal frame can take off the lightning bar.
Step/slow. Remember to securely attach your feet and knees. This way, we will avoid a stepping tension that can even kill you.
Avoid recessing the area. Why? Well, because water will accumulate in every recess, and water plus electric discharges will.... to be precise, infestation.
We do not gather in groups, we do not hold our hands, we do not hug each other in order to avoid paralysis of everyone in case of lightning.
Mobile phones can ionize air and lightning bolts make it easier for lightning bolts to penetrate through it. Do not turn off the phone, but only protect it from moisture and hide it in your backpack. With his help you will call for help.
Do not run, because the rapid movement in the open air causes a change of electric field, and this pulls the lightning bolts.
If you have metal items with you, such as cheque, cups, trekking sticks and you can hear a characteristic ringing tone, it's important to discard them. If you add that your hair "get up", the situation is really serious, because the lightning will hit you in a moment in close proximity, in or next to you.
Remember, whatever happens, try to keep calm, because there is probably nothing worse than panic in an emergency situation. Try to analyze the situation and don't lose your head.
I encourage you to watch the movie "Bura", which belongs to the series "TOPR Mountain Academy". In this film, mountain rescuers instruct you how to behave, what to avoid and what to do to make things go smoothly.
I personally did not have this dubious pleasure of meeting the storm on the trail. I only need to land in a city where I would prefer to be at home standing under the carpet of fear. In the mountains, so far, I was lucky.
And how do you hike there? Someone from you has had some stormy adventures? What impressions? How you like