{"id":69453,"date":"2023-02-10T11:25:53","date_gmt":"2023-02-10T10:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=69453"},"modified":"2023-07-06T11:51:30","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T09:51:30","slug":"mountain-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/mountain-storm\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if you’re caught in a mountain storm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019re on holiday in the Alps and planning a hike in the mountains, you\u2019re well prepared \u2013 your rucksack is packed and you\u2019ve got food, clothes, walking poles, a map and GPS\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even if you\u2019ve checked the weather and everything looks good, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and there is a chance of stormy weather. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a mountain storm dangerous? What should you do to keep yourself safe? Here are some useful tips \u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check the weather forecast before you set out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It\u2019s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast in the mountains \u00a9 Photo Licence Unsplash+<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Plan your exit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the event of a storm in the mountains, it\u2019s good to have a plan in place! Check websites that will give you precise information on the local weather situation over the coming hours. The M\u00e9t\u00e9oFrance website has a useful mountain weather<\/a><\/strong> tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangerous thunderstorms are often predicted on the Keraunos<\/a><\/strong> website, run by the French Observatory of Tornadoes and violent storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M\u00e9t\u00e9orage<\/a><\/strong> is said to be a world specialist site for lightning detection. It won an award in 2019 for its contribution to protecting people in hazardous weather and can alert you in the case of a storm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the weather regularly before you head out, and again during your hike. This will make it easier for you to alter your route or seek shelter if necessary. IGN maps can help you find paths, huts or alternative routes \u2013 you can install the IGN apps<\/a><\/strong> on your phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postpone or cancel your trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If a storm is on its way, it\u2019s best to be cautious and not take any unnecessary risks. The best advice is to avoid the mountains<\/strong> if there is any doubt about the weather and consider cancelling or postponing your trip for a day or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note: one in three victims of lightning strikes does not survive, and those who do may suffer serious after-effects. Lightning can transmit current through the ground near an impact. If you suspect you have been affected by lightning, it\u2019s wise to consult a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you tell if a storm is on its way?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A mountain lake under a sky full of dark clouds \u00a9 Photo de Patrick Schneider<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Storms can develop very quickly in the mountains, so any sign of lightning or thunder should be seen as a warning, even if it seems far away. Check the warning map<\/a><\/strong> on the M\u00e9t\u00e9oFrance website to see if a storm is on its way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, there are several signs to look out for, but these are different depending on the kind of storm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n