Why You Should Never Crouch During A North Dakota Thunderstorm

This week's weather forecast is looking pretty good. We're going to tip over 90 degrees the next couple of days, so it might be a good time to get out on the river. While we're excited and looking forward to more sunshine this week, rain and thunderstorms are always lurking around the corner.

Did you know that for the longest time, the National Weather Service advised North Dakotans to crouch down if they were ever caught outside during a thunderstorm? It's true. For years, it was the belief of many that crouching down would prevent you from getting struck by lightning.

I know you're probably thinking, "the science ain't science-ing". For whatever reason, that was a longstanding belief, but now, weather professionals are saying something different.

According to NWS.gov, the National Weather Service stopped recommending this crouch in 2008. It was determined that crouching doesn't offer a significant amount of protection against lightning strikes.

The source says that if a lightning channel approaches from directly overhead or nearly so, you are still very likely to be struck and injured or killed. This is now considered outdated advice by many in the weather industry.

Interestingly enough, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) still lists the crouch as a protective measure.

The NWS no longer focuses its safety messages on what a person should do in a dangerous weather event. Instead, they focus their messaging on how to avoid getting into a dangerous situation.

The source now says there really isn't any safe place or position a person can be in when outside during a thunderstorm. They advise that a person should stay inside or in a hard-topped vehicle.

Other things to remember about lightning and storm safety according to the CDC website:

• When thunder roars, go indoors
• Don't resume outdoor activities until 30 minutes have passed after the storm
• Avoid open spaces and structures
• Get off of elevated areas (hills and peaks)
• Get out and away from ponds and lakes