The City of Atlantic Beach is taking a proactive step to enhance public safety by expanding its Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System to Donner Park. This addition strengthens the city's commitment to protecting residents and visitors from the serious and often underestimated danger of lightning strikes.
In addition to the existing systems at the 6th and 15th Street beach accesses, the City has recently installed two more systems at the Ahern Street beach access and Russell Park. The expansion of this advanced technology ensures that more of the community's most popular outdoor areas are monitored for lightning threats.
How the System Works
Unlike traditional systems that only detect lightning after a strike has occurred, the Thor Guard system is predictive. It continuously analyzes the electrostatic energy in the atmosphere to forecast potential cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a 2-mile radius, providing a critical warning 8 to 20 minutes before a strike.
When a lightning threat is detected, the system issues a clear, two-part warning:
- Warning Signal: A 15-second uninterrupted horn blast sounds, and a white strobe light activates and flashes continuously.
- All-Clear Signal: The horn sounds three short, 5-second blasts, and the strobe light turns off, indicating the threat has passed.
The systems operate daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., continuously monitoring the atmosphere during peak hours of activity.
Safety Guidelines
Upon hearing the warning horn or seeing the strobe light, residents and visitors are urged to seek shelter immediately in a fully enclosed building or vehicle. It is crucial to remain sheltered until the all-clear signal has been given. Even without a warning, always use caution during threatening weather conditions.
For more information on the Thor Guard system and lightning safety, visit www.coab.us/lightning, email info@coab.us, or call (904) 247-5804.