Lightning Detection System Information

Thor Guard Lightning Warning System

As you may be aware, the Borough of Roseland has installed Thor Guard Lightning Prediction Systems in several areas throughout the community. The Recreation Department has posted guidelines for the users of recreational facilities during thunderstorms at the parks/fields mentioned below.

The Lightning Prediction and Warning Systems detect atmospheric conditions that indicate a lightning strike is imminent – within a 10-15-minute time frame. Warning horns and/or a strobe light are located at Bond Force Park, Harrison Complex, Noecker School, and Tedesco Park. When lightning is detected, a single 15-second blast of the horn will be activated. When the danger of a lightning strike has passed, an all-clear signal of three (3) five-second blasts of the horn will be sounded. Additionally, each horn cluster will be accompanied by, or in some areas have, a remote amber strobe light which will remain activated until the all-clear signal is sounded.

The Roseland Recreation Department has mandated that anyone who hears the warning signal should seek shelter, and remain in the shelter until the all-clear signal is activated. If no covered shelter is available, avoid open areas, water, tall trees, metal fences, overhead wires and power lines, elevated ground, cellular phones, and radios. If the warning signal should occur a second time, all games and practices must be cancelled.

In closing, please remember that umpires are still in charge, and have the authority to cancel or stop play temporarily at their discretion if they feel it is necessary, regardless of the Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System activating.


Responsible Lightning Safety

A recent study of lightning injuries and deaths by the Severe Storms Laboratory determined that 85% of all lightning tragedies occurred away from the actual storm. Clearly, these injuries and deaths occurred because the storm was not overhead, and there was probably little or no rain, lulling these victims into a false sense of security. They also concluded, correctly, that lightning can strike 6 to 8 miles from the previous discharge. Observations of lighting striking on a regular basis from 12 to 15 miles is documented, as well as the so-called “bolt-out-of-the-blue” coming from storms 30 to 50 miles away! Afte rreading such statistics, a thinking person must wonder, “how can anyone prevent lightning-related tragedies?”. CAREFULLY AND CONSERVATIVELY.

Flash-to-Bang Warning Method

Although this system of warning, based on the thunder being heard approximately 5 seconds per mile after a lightning strike (flash) has occurred is fairly accurate. Its only use is for basic information...not life and death decisions! Because thunder begins “quieting” at 3 to 4 miles, using the minimum 35-second (7 miles) count, thunder could never be adequately and reliably discerned. This method of lightning warning should NEVER be used.

Lightning Detection Systems

All lightning detection systems require a strike to occur before a warning can be provided. Just because lightning is 10 miles away, as with the flash-to-bang warning method, there is no guarantee –only a guess –whether the storm will either impact your playground or miss you. If a strike hits your immediate area from that storm 10 miles away, you’ll find out about it before the detection system tells you it just happened. If a detection system is to be utilized,stop activities when the first strike occurs between 10 and 15 miles, and resume activities 15 minutes after the last strike is detected within 30 miles.You may have “false alerts” and prolonged down time, but you’ll also be acting in as safe a manner as possible.

Lightning Prediction Systems

Yes, lightning can be predicted and the THOR GUARD System has over 25 years of performance to back up their claims. The PGA Tours, USGA, NCAA, Atlanta Olympics, Air Force, and many others use these systems with remarkable accuracy. This system analyzes the earth’s electrostatic field to determine when it is dangerous in a 1 to 2 mile area, and provides a warning prior to a lightning discharge. Operation is totally automatic and typical warning time is 8 to 15 minutes. This system also determines when the energy level has lowered enough to advise of safer conditions and resume outdoor activities.