Immediate Actions Based on Conditions

• Normal – Normal Operations

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When: No lightning strikes detected within 20 miles in the last 10 minutes, and no strikes within 10 miles in the last 30 minutes.

 

Action: Continue or resume routine operations if onsite conditions are safe. Use your own judgment and assess local conditions before resuming outdoor work. An "All Clear" alert is sent via email and SMS if the site was previously at Level 2 and no strikes within 10 miles have occurred for 30 minutes.

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• Level 1 – Prepare for Shelter

 

When: Lightning strikes detected 10–20 miles away in the last 10 minutes, with no strikes within 10 miles in the last 30 minutes.

Action: Prepare to take shelter and cease high-risk activities (e.g., working on tall structures, using cranes). Identify safe shelters (substantial buildings or enclosed vehicles) and monitor conditions closely. An alert is sent via email and SMS to notify contacts of the Level 1 status.

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• Level 2 – Seek Shelter Immediately

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When: Lightning strikes detected within 10 miles in the last 30 minutes.

Action: Immediately stop all outdoor activities and seek shelter in a substantial building or fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle. A mandatory 30-minute stand-down is in effect. Remain sheltered until an "All Clear" alert is received (sent via email and SMS after 30 minutes with no strikes within 10 miles). An alert is sent to notify contacts of the Level 2 status.

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Monitoring & Data Collection

• Lightning Strikes (15-Minute Window), Updated Every 5 Minutes:

 

The system continuously monitors lightning strikes within a 20-mile radius of each site. It evaluates strikes over a 10-minute window for Level 1 conditions and a 30-minute window for Level 2 conditions. The data is processed to determine the distance and time of the most recent strike, triggering alerts when conditions change (e.g., Normal to Level 1, Level 1 to Level 2, or Level 2 to Normal).

Data Source

Near-real-time lightning strike data is provided by XWeather’s API.​

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Email and SMS Privacy, Opt-In, and Opt-Out Policy

​This policy is available here.