Cheryl lives in the Midwest and asks:  “I’ve been searching – to no avail- for an answer to a lightning question. It was not answered in your article either.When in a boat (cabin cruiser) on a large lake, is it best to stay out away from trees or go close to trees, like in a cove, to wait out a storm? No marinas or boathouse protection is available. Any help would be appreciated.”

What a great question. It reminds me of a predicament I was in once. Years ago I worked at a Boys Camp in Maine. Another counselor and I had just finished a 3 day trip with “perfect weather.” We loaded the gear and boys in metal boat to tow back to the pick up point. As we came around the island we saw a monster thunderstorm coming at us. With a five mile tow and nowhere to hide, we opted to head to shoreline, jump on a bolder, cover ourselves with a tarp and “pray.” We survived of course unscathed, but now that Cheryl has asked this question again, I decided to get some expert advice from  my good friend, John Jensenius, a lightning expert at the National Weather Service.

John points out that if you are out for a day, be sure to listen to weather forecasts and plan accordingly. And, it is always good to carry a radio should there be any surprises. Ultimately, John says” neither are particularly good choices……..however, of the two alternatives suggested, it’s best not to be in open water where you are the highest object. Near trees, you are less likely to take a direct strike.”

I’d also add that during such a storm being in the middle of a lake in addition to being a high point got lightning, there is the added danger of strong winds and possibility of capsizing. So, if you can find a protected cove, it appears to be the safest place. I’d also offer that trees along a shore tend not to be the tallest in forests. So, these are less likely to be struck. Great question. If you have a question about lightning, tornadoes or other summer dangers, please ask.

  • Peter Geiger
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • September 18, 2015
  • Winter Weather Lore and Wasps’ Nests
  • Peter Geiger
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • July 6, 2015
  • Deer Me! 5 Tips For Repelling Deer
  • Peter Geiger
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • June 26, 2015
  • The Surviving Snow Pile in Boston
  • Peter Geiger
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • May 24, 2015
  • The Event That Put Lewiston, Maine On The Map