Lifesaving Lightning Predictions

Three District parks are helping keep the Boca Raton community safe by predicting the future.

Patch Reef Park, Sugar Sand Park, and the Swim and Racquet Center are among the Boca Raton parks protected by Thor Guard's lightning prediction equipment.

Unlike most lightning monitors which detect lightning after it happens, the system at these Boca Raton parks analyzes changes among the positive and negative ions in the air - predicting the likelihood of an imminent lightning strike.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning kills more people in Florida than in any other state. The Sunshine State averages 3,500 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per day, a number that increases greatly during the summer months.

Because it doesn't have to wait for the storm's first strike, the Thor Guard system can alert park goers to potential danger as much as 20 minutes earlier than systems that rely solely on detection. The early warning can help save lives.

When Thor Guard sounds its alarm, there's a 97-percent chance that lightning will strike within two miles of the system.

Upon detecting the likelihood of a lightning strike, Thor Guard's horn issues a 15-second blast, and the warning light atop the monitor strobes. At that point park goers are encouraged to seek shelter immediately. To ensure safety, park rangers will close some of the park's facilities, including playgrounds and some athletic areas.

The lightning predictor will continue to monitor atmospheric conditions until the likelihood of a strike dissipates. Depending on conditions, the danger could last as little as 10 minutes or stretch until the park closes.

Three five-second horn blasts signal the all-clear, letting visitors and staff know it's safe to resume outdoor activities.

“Lightning in this area is very dangerous,” Commissioner Bob Rollins said. “Even on a clear day you can be struck by lightning. That's what the Thor Guard system does. It detects those particles in the air that are conducive to a cloud-to-ground strike.” 

While the Thor Guard system is a highly effective tool, park visitors are also encouraged to employ their own common sense when storms approach and err on the side of caution.