When Hiking Meets Thunderstorms

When hiking in summer, the weather can turn from sunny to stormy in minutes. How should prepare for hiking in summer? What should do if we encounter thunderstorm during a hike?

Hiking has gained its popularity in Hong Kong in recent years. With more hiking activities, the associated accidents also increase. According to the Fire Services Department, the number of mountain rescue increased from 150 cases in 2010 to 340 in 2017. In 2018 and the first half of 2019, there was also a rising records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks including getting lost, exhaustion, falling off a cliff, getting injured in streams, etc. We also saw the rare fatal lightning strikes took place this year. 

 

Know the Weather Before the Hikes

Thunderstorm is common in the summer in Hong Kong. If you have planned for a hike, visit the Hong Kong Observatory (“HKO”) website or mobile app for the 9-day Weather Forecast prior to your hike. The Civil Aid Services also provided useful information on how to prepare for a safe hiking activity, make sure you are familiar with the planned route and understands its difficulty. 

Once you set off for the hike, consult the HKO website or app regularly for weather update as weather conditions can change rapidly during summer. All mountain activities should be cancelled immediately once the thunderstorm warning is issued. 

MyObservatory app – Thunderstorm Warning

 

What to do when a thunderstorm approaches?

Once you are out in the mountain, what should you do if thunderstorm warning is issued when you are out in the mountain? According to the Country Park Hiking Safety Guidelines from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (“AFCD”), hikers should take the following actions should thunderstorm approach: 

  • Stay away from uphill and immediately get away from mountain ridges and streams

  • Stay away from the highest point or objects that are highly conductive, such as trees, fences, masts or metals. Also aviod using mobile phone or umbrella

  • If you carried metal objects with you, wrap them up with cloths or plastic bags

  • Avoid staying in open areas and find indoor shelters as soon as possible

  • Squat down instead of lie on the ground to minimise the area of contact with the ground surface. 

 

The Thunderstorm is Approaching

So how do we know how far is a lightning from us? Lightning is always followed by thunder, according to the article published by HKO (The Science of Thunder and Lightning), the thunderstorm is of a fair distance from you if you can see a flash but cannot hear any thunder. If you hear the thunder 9 seconds after the flash, it means the lightning is approximately 3 kilometers away. You should seek shelter immediately if the lightning flash and the sound of thunder occur almost simultaneously, as it means the storm is thunderstorm is very close to you. The HKO Hong Kong Lightning Nowcast provides you with thunderstorm forecast for the next hour, this will help you plan for the most appropriate action when you are in the mountains. 

Pay extra attention to weather conditions and have a safe and wonderful summer in the countryside!

Useful mobile apps to plan for your next hike:

  • TrailWatch: Plan route, offline map and track your hikes in real-time using GPS (iOS / Android)

  • MyObservatory: Remember to check the weather all the time (iOS / Android)

  • Enjoy Hiking: Information on hiking trails from the AFCD (iOS / Android)