What do you do in a severe lightning storm?

[ladagobago]

I open the lid on the potty - insert my head - stick my butt in the air and whistle Dixie.
Really, after many years of boating everywhere and in huge storms everywhere I learned a lot. my boat was bonded, and I installed a great bonding plate along with a lot of other items to protect my motor electronics and radar system. I also knew enough to find a large sailboat and stay within a 45 degree arc of their mast. Never got hit with lightening in all those 50 years on the water. I have a million storm stories but I'll save you from them here.

I use the same thought for the MH. I don't go to campgrounds but do stay stay a wally world overnight. If a storm is coming I park where no carts can hit me and park under a light pole. Under the "Faraday’s cage," theory, there is the same protective cone as the sail boat mast and I have had direct hits to a parking lot pole with no damage to me.

I Florida we have a lot of lightening and we again just whistle Dixie

[DGundy]

I have a surge protector installed at the electric post. No need to disconnect I believe. 🚍🤠

[dons2346]

Originally Posted by DGundy

I have a surge protector installed at the electric post. No need to disconnect I believe. 🚍🤠

Don't bet on it. Lightening puts out a lot more joules that a surge protector can handle.

Even with the power cord disconnected from the pedestal and laying on the ground, a electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can be absorbed through it and destroy electronic and electrical components. Best to take in the power cord too

[swagn]

Originally Posted by Murf2u

Unplug the RV from the pedestal after making a big of popcorn and opening a bottle of wine. Go outside and sit, facing the oncoming storm, with your SO and marvel at the display and remind each other why your there. Enjoying each other's company and natures display.

The reality of it is, yes, lightning is dangerous, buuuut, the statistics are that you'll win the Power Ball several times before you're struck by lightning..

Enjoy life, it's why you bought an RV.

I love that...except Momma said to never set yourself up as a target...I'm with you tho...I'd be there with you probably with an umbrella!!!

[cimplexsound]

Here in Pahrump Nevada we have dangerous lightening all summer long. To make matters worse I have tall trees all around my RV site. Fortunately my Motorhome is equipped with the magnapak inverter which has it's own surge protection. The first thing I would do if a storm is bad enough. Shut your power down, unplug the shore power cord and stow it in its compartment. Crank your tv antenna into the travel position and then run on generator power until the storm passes. Stay indoors, keep tv's off and keep all doors, windows and skylights closed. Just wait it out and return to shore power once the coast is clear. If you know a storm is coming consider relocation to a temporary location not effect by adverse weather.

Note: always watch your local weather to see if "Severe Thunderstorm Warnings" or "Flash Flood Warnings" are issued by the nation weather service so you know when to take appropriate action.

[daydream37]

Always park next to a taller rig. It works on sailboats as well.

[paddykern]

Originally Posted by cimplexsound

Here in Pahrump Nevada we have dangerous lightening all summer long. To make matters worse I have tall trees all around my RV site. Fortunately my Motorhome is equipped with the magnapak inverter which has it's own surge protection. The first thing I would do if a storm is bad enough. Shut your power down, unplug the shore power cord and stow it in its compartment. Crank your tv antenna into the travel position and then run on generator power until the storm passes. Stay indoors, keep tv's off and keep all doors, windows and skylights closed. Just wait it out and return to shore power once the coast is clear. If you know a storm is coming consider relocation to a temporary location not effect by adverse weather.

Note: always watch your local weather to see if "Severe Thunderstorm Warnings" or "Flash Flood Warnings" are issued by the nation weather service so you know when to take appropriate action.

Why turn off your TV?

[Yosemite77]

Originally Posted by ladagobago

I open the lid on the potty - insert my head - stick my butt in the air and whistle Dixie.

Have you considered installing a lightning rod? [emoji3]

[hypoxia]

Originally Posted by Loggenrock

creating a good-sized loop in your power cord as it lays on the ground between the pedestal and the coach - that allows that surface static charge to go to ground easier than following the wire to your rig.

That's one I wouldn't have thought of.

[Philswrench]

Originally Posted by jmcannonball

"the statistics are that you'll win the Power Ball several times before you're struck by lightning.."

I think that statistic is the other way around.
Your odds of being struck by lightning this year are roughly 1 in 1 million.
Winning a powerball lottery is roughly 1 in 300 million.

The woman that just won the biggest powerball ever to a single person should stay out of storms

[ArmandV]

"The kites! The kites! Get them ready!"

[russue125]

Really dumb question. What type of surge protector do you use? Do you just use a regular one? Where do you plug it in?

I'm very handy with many things but anything electrical....I'm lost.

Thanks...

[DGundy]

The surge protector is applied/installed at the power post at your site in the campground, just before you attach your power cord. Some lock it in place from theft with a padlock after closing the cover.

[Chuck Q]

With us it was a partly cloudy day in northern NM. All was well then bang lightning hit, took out CB, ABS, Radio, Cruise Cont., and front TV. No warning or indications of a possible hit. Thought for a second that I had just meet my maker. Insurance said Sorry about that!, we see boondocking.