As National Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 22-28, 2025) shines a spotlight on the often-underestimated danger of lightning, the City of Atlantic Beach is proud to highlight its proactive approach to public safety: an advanced Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System. This cutting-edge technology exemplifies the city's commitment to protecting residents and visitors from the Sunshine State's frequent and powerful thunderstorms.

This week marks the 25th year of a national effort that has seen a significant reduction in lightning fatalities across the U.S., from an average of 55 deaths annually in 2001 to about 20 today. While this progress is commendable, more than 700 lives have still been lost to lightning in the past two and a half decades. With the peak of the U.S. lightning season upon us—typically late June through August—the importance of vigilance and effective safety measures cannot be overstated.

Unlike traditional systems that merely detect lightning after it strikes, Atlantic Beach's Thor Guard system predicts lightning by analyzing the electrostatic energy in the atmosphere. This allows for warnings to be issued 8 to 20 minutes before a potential cloud-to-ground lightning strike within a 2-mile radius.

The city has strategically placed these advanced Thor Guard units at key locations, including the 6th and 15th Street beach accesses, Ahern Street beach access, and Russell Park. When a lightning threat is predicted, the system activates a 15-second uninterrupted horn blast and a continuous white strobe light. This clear warning signals the need for immediate action: seek shelter indoors or in a fully enclosed vehicle.

The "all clear" signal, three short 5-second blasts of the horn and the deactivation of the strobe light, indicates that the threat has passed. These systems operate daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing constant monitoring during peak activity hours.

While Atlantic Beach's lightning prediction system is a vital tool, residents and visitors are reminded that personal awareness remains paramount. No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.

Lightning Safety Recommendations:

• Plan Ahead: Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the lightning risk. Check the latest forecast and cancel or postpone activities if thunderstorms are predicted.
• Monitor Conditions: Keep a watchful eye on the sky and listen for thunder. If you hear any thunder, even a distant rumble, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Lightning can strike outward 10 miles from a storm.
• Seek Immediate Shelter: At the first signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm, head quickly to a safe place. 
  • Safe Places: The safest place is a fully enclosed substantial building with wiring and plumbing. A fully enclosed hardtop metal vehicle (like a car or truck) with windows completely shut is also a safe option.
  • Unsafe Places: Avoid open areas, isolated tall objects (like trees, poles, and light posts), and water. Do not seek shelter under canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, tents, or near trees, as they do not provide adequate protection.
• Stay Inside: Remain inside the safe place for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. Electrical charges can linger in clouds after a storm seems to have passed.
• Inside Safety: Anything plugged into an electrical outlet or any plumbing (or water coming from the plumbing) is dangerous to touch when a thunderstorm is in the area. Avoid corded phones, electrical appliances, lighting, and metal objects. Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• If Someone is Struck: 
  • Call 911 immediately. Provide directions to your location and information about the victim(s).
  • Victims do not retain an electrical charge and are safe to touch.
  • Assess and Respond: If the victim is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, start chest compressions (hands-only CPR is effective). Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.
  • Move to Safety: If possible, move the victim to a safer place to avoid another lightning strike.
  • Other Injuries: Lightning can cause severe injuries, including burns and damage to the nervous system. Treat any other injuries with basic first aid until help arrives.

For more information on lightning safety and the City of Atlantic Beach's Thor Guard system, visit www.coab.us/lightning. You can also find valuable resources and safety recommendations at the National Lightning Safety Council website: http://lightningsafetycouncil.org.

By combining cutting-edge technology with continued public education, Atlantic Beach is setting a high standard for lightning safety, ensuring a safer environment for everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast.