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Thunderstorm outdoors: what to do? Step-by-step guide

Thunderstorm outdoors: what to do, step by step

⏱ 3 min read

Mountains, fields, water. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

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First, right now

  1. Hear thunder? You are within reach of lightning. Go into a building or a closed car with a metal roof now.
  2. In the mountains get off ridges and summits and away from chains, ladders and metal railings.
  3. Get out of the water, off boats and off open fields.

Then

  1. No shelter? Move away from lone trees, poles and the highest points. A forest of low trees is better than open ground.
  2. As a last resort, crouch with your feet together, ideally on a rucksack or sleeping mat, head low. Do not lie flat.
  3. In a group, spread out more than ten metres apart so one strike cannot hit everyone.
  4. Count the seconds from flash to thunder and divide by 3 to get the distance in kilometres.
  5. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out.
  6. A person struck by lightning is safe to touch. Not breathing? Call 112 and start CPR straight away.

How close is the storm? (flash to thunder)

over 30 sMore than 10 km. The storm is coming. Start heading down and look for shelter.
15–30 s5–10 km. You are within reach of lightning. Go to a building or car now.
5–15 s2–5 km. Very dangerous. Leave open ground, get out of the water.
under 5 sUnder 2 km. The storm is over you. Crouch low, feet together, away from trees and metal.

Sound travels about 1 km in 3 seconds. Lightning can strike 10–15 km from a storm, so nowhere outdoors is safe while you can hear thunder.

When to call 112

When someone has been struck by lightning, even if they seem fine. Immediately if they are not breathing.

What not to do

See also

Frequently asked questions

Thunderstorm outdoors: what should I do first?

Hear thunder? You are within reach of lightning. Go into a building or a closed car with a metal roof now. In the mountains get off ridges and summits and away from chains, ladders and metal railings. Get out of the water, off boats and off open fields.

When should I call 112?

When someone has been struck by lightning, even if they seem fine. Immediately if they are not breathing.

Thunderstorm outdoors: what should I avoid?

Do not shelter under a lone tree or an open shelter in an open area. Do not stay on a summit, a ridge or by water.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-08.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.

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