Who doesn’t enjoy some good old-fashioned summer fireworks? For many people the summer months mean barbecues, beach days, and of course fun firework displays for events like the Fourth of July.
Here in Florida we have our own natural firework shows and they happen almost daily during the summer. It’s called lightening. You can almost guarantee fabulous lightening displays during the months of June, July and August. Featuring all the wonders of Mother Nature. Sometimes they last only a minute, while other times the lightening can strike for hours.
Did you know that Collier County was recently named the lightening capitol of the US? In 2016 researchers from the University of Alabama concluded that the Everglades gets the most lightening activity than any other state in the country!
Watching a Florida lightening storm is sort of like watching a beautiful firework display. Just a little less synchronized. When the lightening comes you can feel the electricity in the air. The temperature drops, dark billowing clouds creep in from all sides, and the wind starts to pick up. When the lightening hits its brilliant and alive. Sometimes it’s a bright flash of white light and other times the strike is an electric purple. The lightening is usually accompanied by a loud crack of thunder.
Florida lightening storms really feel like Mother Nature is putting on a show. It’s an amazing sight to experience and we highly recommend watching it if you get the opportunity. Just remember to watch from safety of a building,
In terms of lightening safety, the City of Marco Island has a system in place to warn people of potential strikes. In 2013 they installed the Thor Guard Lightning Warning System at Mackle and Winterberry Park, as well as City Hall. The system predicts the probability of a lightening strike within a two-mile radius. When the system predicts a high probability chance of a lightening strike, it will emit a 30-second siren with an accompanying flashing light to warn those in the vicinity. When it’s all clear the system will send out 3 consecutive 5-second sirens and turn off the light.
Insider’s In-The-Know: You can check out Marco Island’s lightening status online at marcoisland.thormobile8.net.
Below I’ve listed some tips on how to stay safe during a lightening storm:
- Seek shelter!! Find a building and get in it. A fully enclosed car will also work.
- Get out of the water as soon as you hear thunder. If you’re already inside, avoid taking a shower or doing the dishes.
- If your outside avoid tall structures (trees, metal poles, towers, fences, street lights) as well as open spaces.
- Put down objects that conduct electricity (bike, golf clubs, fishing rods, umbrellas).
And remember, if you can hear thunder you’re within striking distance of lightening.
After the storm has settled down and you haven’t seen lightening or heard thunder for at least 30 minutes, it’s usually safe to venture back outside.
Sometimes at night, after a storm has come and gone, there will be heat lightening. Heat lighting, also referred to as “silent lightening” is simply flashes of lightening in the clouds from a distant storm. It’s also beautiful to watch so make sure to check it out!
Experiencing lightening and thunderstorms is just another part of Florida life. We have put together our favorite rainy day activities. Please remember to be safe and watch the storm unfold from the comfort of your Marco Island Beach Getaway!
Don’t get caught in the storm. Reserve your Marco Island Beach Getaway today, before your favorite week gets snapped up.
Or, if you’re not quite ready book, why not chat? I’m happy to help in planning your next Marco Island vacation and of course, answer any questions! Let’s find out if Marco Island Beach Getaway is the right choice for your vacation. No pressure, no strings. Just honest local advice.
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