Storms start somewhere.

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bclure

bclure

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
31
Location
Keene NH
I saw a big pine tree get hit by lightning last night. It was 3-400 feet from where I was. Ok, that happens. The part that struck me strange (pun intended). Was that there was no activity leading up to it. Yeah the sky was covered with dark clouds. But I didn't see or hear lightning in the distance. It makes me think back to the times that I have been climbing with storms coming.

When do you guys get out of the tree??

Brendan
 
buzz sawyer
Joined
Mar 7, 2006
Messages
7,312
Location
USA
When do you guys get out of the tree??

Brendan

Well, I don't climb but when they predict thunderstorms and the sky is covered with dark clouds, especially if it's windy, I don't want to be anywhere above ground level. The wind gusts would also be a good reason to get down or not even climb.
 
OLD CHIPMONK

OLD CHIPMONK

ArboristSite Guru
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
518
Location
S.E. Georgia 31404
Usually around dark, unless there's a full-moon ! I always come down when a storm is coming ! No sense get killed by lightning or a limb being blown out & killing you or a groundie ! It's better to be safe, than sorry !:givebeer: :buttkick:
 
John Paul Sanborn

John Paul Sanborn

Above average climber
Joined
Apr 25, 2001
Messages
14,546
Location
South Eastern WI
They say lightning can strike around 9 miles from origin, and on rare occasions over 50 miles.

I usually time the thunder and will bale at around 10-5 second intervals (miles), depending on terrain.
 
capetrees
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
20,417
Location
MA
If I'm all set up in the tree and its going to be a real hassle to get out and down, I don't come down. I go with the glass half emprty I guess, figuring what are the chances that I am going to get hit? If i'm going to get hit, its going to happen in the tree or on the ground either way. Besides, its fun swaying in the breeze!
 
memetic

memetic

ArboristSite Operative
Joined
May 28, 2008
Messages
262
Location
New England
They say lightning can strike around 9 miles from origin, and on rare occasions over 50 miles.

I usually time the thunder and will bale at around 10-5 second intervals (miles), depending on terrain.

On Monday we heard the thunder about 10-5 out, then in a matter of seconds it was on us. Lightning hit less than 100 ft from where we were working (we were on the ground at this point). It hit a tree and devastated it, which could of very easily been where we were working.

Today we baled when the lightning was 10 out.
 
JeffL

JeffL

ArboristSite Guru
Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
538
Location
Western Massachusetts
When the storms getting close is time to bail.

But wind!? Wind is no reason to bail on a tree! Hell, that was fun, spent most of the winter climbing. You know it was a windy day when you get home and on solid ground you are STILL swaying hours later. :dizzy:

:greenchainsaw:
 
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