Thunderstorm in a Tent. What to Do and How to Protect Yourself.
How to Handle a Thunderstorm in a Tent? How to Take Shelter in Case of Bad Weather While Camping? Let's try to answer these fundamental questions, essential for anyone aspiring to wild camping safely, even in less favorable situations
Don’t Camp in Bad Weather
First of all, although it may seem obvious, you should avoid camping in bad weather. Always check the weather forecast and watch the sky, paying attention to any threatening clouds! If a thunderstorm is distant, you can count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder, remembering that every 30 seconds corresponds to 10 km from the lightning strike. Additionally, immediately look for a safe shelter or nearby refuge (50 euros is well spent for a safe night).
Avoid Raised Points
If it's not possible to find a shelter, a refuge, or another cover, pitch your tent in a low area, such as a forest or meadow. It is recommended not to stop in elevated positions, as high and pointed objects attract lightning, increasing the risk of being struck
Positioning Correctly Inside the Tent
The position inside the tent is crucial: crouch on an insulating and dry surface with your knees and feet curled up, staying as far as possible from the poles and walls of the tent. If you're not alone, try to spread out the group to reduce the likelihood of being struck and to be able to help each other if someone gets hit
Never Leave the Tent
Never leave the tent when there’s a thunderstorm outside; the reasons are simple and intuitive, but always keep them in mind. First of all, during a storm and in the dark, it's easy to lose orientation and unintentionally stray from your shelter (the tent). Additionally, the water and altitude could cool your body, which in extreme cases could lead to hypothermia. You can only leave the tent when you haven’t heard thunder for about 30 minutes, then the worst is over
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