Collection Disaster Preparedness 2026.08.10

Outdoor Places to Avoid When Rainstorms and Thunder Start

Evacuation Guidelines to Minimize Risks in Trees, Rivers, Valleys, Underground Spaces, Construction Sites, and Beaches

#Life Safety #Sudden Rain #Weather Safety #Lightning #Heavy Rain Preparedness

When a sudden shower begins, it’s natural to rush towards the nearest tree or pavilion for shelter, but this can actually be a dangerous choice when lightning and strong winds are present. Even light rain can quickly accumulate water at rivers, valleys, and underground tunnels, while construction sites and beaches increase the risk of falling debris and waves. This list outlines the differences between places that offer cover from the rain and those that are truly safe for evacuation.

Each item is ordered not by forecast accuracy but by the sequence of discovering danger and taking action. Make sure to check the latest visuals of your current location and destination, and if there are children, elderly individuals, or companions involved in outdoor activities, first establish the evacuation locations and contact methods. It’s also advisable to store key guidance and emergency contact methods in advance, in case data is interrupted. Since showers can appear and disappear quickly, the conditions shown before departure may change by the time you arrive on-site, so it’s important to check for safety in a secure indoor location even while en route.

Directly Under Tall Trees

Standing directly under tall trees poses a risk from both lightning currents and falling branches. Move to a sturdy building or inside a car, ensuring you are a safe distance from the tree. During this time, do not lean against the tree or huddle together holding an umbrella. Showers can strike intensely and briefly in small areas, or be accompanied by strong winds and lightning, so it’s difficult to rely solely on a previously checked screen. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Open Field and Ridge

Open sports fields and ridgelines expose individuals to heightened lightning risks as they are taller than their surroundings. First, stop your activities and quickly move to the nearest indoor location. During this time, do not lie down flat or delay your descent from summits. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Riverside Areas and Walking Paths

Riverbanks and walkways can see rapidly rising water levels due to upstream inflow even from short, intense rains. First, even if the rain appears to be easing, move away to a higher road or designated evacuation route. At this time, do not wait at the water's edge or attempt to cross stepping stones. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Valleys and Slopes

Valleys and steep slopes are terrains where risks from swift currents, falling rocks, and landslides can simultaneously increase. First, move to a safe area as guided by management, avoiding the valley floor and steep inclines. During this time, do not return towards waterways to retrieve tents and equipment. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Underpasses and Underground Spaces

Underground tunnels and spaces can flood quickly, blocking exits when surface water accumulates fast. First, if you observe signs of flooding or control, do not enter and choose above-ground detours. During this time, do not go back into flood-prone spaces to retrieve vehicles or belongings. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Construction Sites and Barriers

Construction sites and areas near barriers can be dangerous due to materials, fences, and signs being knocked over or swept away by strong winds. First, move away from construction boundaries to sturdy indoor spaces. During this time, do not organize umbrellas next to barriers or under cranes. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Metal Railings and Tower Areas

Areas around metal railings and towers pose a high risk of lightning currents transferring due to their proximity to long metal structures. First, move away from railings, fences, hiking poles, and fishing rods towards a safe building. During this time, do not hold metal while moving or lift long equipment. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Beaches and Breakwaters

Beaches and breakwaters expose individuals to open water surfaces and high waves and lightning simultaneously. First, exit the water before thunder is heard and seek shelter in a building away from the shore. During this time, do not photograph the waves and lightning from the ends of breakwaters. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Tents and Temporary Pavilions

Canopies and temporary pavilions can provide cover from rain but are not safe structures against lightning, strong winds, or falling debris. First, change your evacuation point to a sturdy building or a car with closed windows. During this time, do not brace against poles or huddle together with many people. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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Flooded Roads and Manholes

Flooded roads and areas around manholes are sections where judging water depth, flow, and lid displacement visually can be difficult. First, detour around waterlogged paths and follow barriers and on-site personnel guidance. During this time, do not attempt to cross by counting the height of the water against your shoes or enter with vehicles. Showers can occur suddenly and intensely in localized areas, or accompany strong winds and lightning, making reliance on a previously checked screen unwise. Before departing or resuming activities, review the weather radar, short-term precipitation predictions, lightning alerts, and notices again, and prioritize the guidance from local controls and facility operators.

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If you hear thunder outdoors, prioritize finding a sturdy building or a car with closed windows over using an umbrella. Tall trees, metal structures, open areas, and water edges are not safe refuges. Even if the rain lessens or temporarily stops, the upstream water levels and the risk of lightning may change slowly, so avoid returning to river paths, valleys, or breakwaters until local controls are lifted.

Instead of memorizing the list, it’s more practical to prepare quick access to frequently used weather reports and local traffic or facility announcements. Follow the barriers and on-site guidance over personal judgment, and do not return to dangerous areas just to save belongings or adhere to a schedule. If you face threats to life, bodily harm, or isolation, accurately inform 119 or 112 of your location and situation. Even after the rain subsides, the risks of lightning, upstream water levels, and conditions of roads and facilities may stabilize slowly, so it's important not to rush to resume activities.

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Directly Under Tall Trees

Open Field and Ridge

Riverside Areas and Walking Paths

Valleys and Slopes

Underpasses and Underground Spaces

Construction Sites and Barriers

Metal Railings and Tower Areas

Beaches and Breakwaters

Tents and Temporary Pavilions

Flooded Roads and Manholes