Lightning Prediction System

The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System has been installed to provide protection from lightning disasters for the public. Lightning is a violent act of nature and the City of Irving recognizes that the threat of injuries or death from lightning strikes cannot be entirely eliminated. However, certain precautions such as a Lightning Prediction System can minimize the potential for lightning related injuries.

When the Thor Guard Warning System (15 second horn blast) sounds, the outdoor facility must be cleared of all patrons as soon as practical. Also, all persons must seek and remain in buildings (not dugouts) or vehicles. All persons must wait until the weather clears and the All Clear Signal sounds (3 short horn blasts) before patrons can resume play.

It is recommended that when possible, park patrons and staff seek and remain in a sheltered area. If such shelter is unavailable, patrons are encouraged to get into their vehicles. A tree or a dugout should not be used for shelter. Individuals should keep away from metal objects such as fences, umbrellas, park shelters etc. This policy shall apply to programs and facilities operated by the City of Irving or its affiliate groups, i.e., Irving All Sports Association and the North Lake Aquatic Center. Activities may only resume once the All Clear Signal Sounds.

Look for these signs in the park listed below:

• One 15 second blast | evacuate the area
• Three five second blasts | resume activity

A Lightning Prediction System is monitoring these parks. All other parks are not monitored by this system. During inclement weather, please evacuate the area. 

Lightning takes the shortest path. It hits the highest object, a tall tree or building, a tower or a person standing alone in a flat field. Lightning can strike many miles away from its parent storm. So even if you are not right in the middle of a thunderstorm, but one is near, be prepared. If your hair starts standing on end, or you taste copper in your mouth, you are about to be struck by lightning.

How the lightning "Prediction" system will work at the public swimming pools?

When the Thor Guard Warning System (15 second horn blast) sounds, the swimming pool must be cleared of all patrons as soon as practical. Also, all persons must seek shelter in buildings or vehicles (not shady shelters). All persons must wait until the weather clears and the All Clear Signal sounds (3 short horn blasts) before patrons can resume swimming activities.

The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends that you can take a few safety steps to avoid being hit by lightning.

• Stay indoors and away from windows during a thunderstorm. Unplug televisions, computers and other appliances.
• If you are away from buildings, get inside an all metal, non-convertible automobile, and avoid contact with the metal.
• Avoid using telephones, unless it is an emergency.
• Get away from scooters and bicycles and other metal equipment.
• Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails and other metallic paths which could carry lightning to you from some distance away.
• Do not stand under a single tall tree.  Most lightning victims are killed while seeking shelter under a tree. Do not be the tallest object in the area stay away from single tall trees. If it is hit and you are near it you may get a shock from the electricity traveling through the ground.
• If there is no shelter, crouch down, grab your ankles, and bend forward, in a position where your head does not touch the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground.

How does lightning "Prediction" differ from lightning detection"?

Lightning "Detection" systems detect the electromagnetic signatures that are the by-product of actual lightning strikes. Lightning "Prediction" senses and evaluates the sifts and changes in the electrostatic field that precede the occurrence of an actual lightning strike.