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Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System
How it works
Sensors measure and analyze the electrostatic field in the
atmosphere
Predicts the possible occurrence of lightning 8-20 minutes
before it could potentially strike
Operational Statistics
- The system has a coverage area radius of 2.5 miles
- It is 97% accurate within a 2-mile radius
- System operates seven days per week, from 8 a.m. -
9:30 p.m. in the months of March - November
When a Threat is Detected
- Warning horn will sound with an uninterrupted 15-second
blast and a strobe light will flash when there is the
potential for a lightning strike within the coverage area
- Once a threat is detected, the system continuously updates
data about energy in the air 50 times per second to see
if the atmosphere still retains the potential energy necessary
for a lightning strike
- Upon hearing the horn blast and/or seeing the strobe
light, park users must leave the park and seek appropriate
shelter
What Qualifies as Appropriate Shelter
- Inside buildings, hard-top vehicles or other lightning
protected facilities and amenities
- As a Last Resort: Seek low-lying areas or dense woods
What to Avoid
- Open areas/isolated trees
- Overhead wires/power lines
- Water
- Elevated ground
- Metal
- Maintenance machinery
- Wire Fences
- Open top or soft top vehicles
When the Threat has Diminished
- The horn will sound three short 4-second blasts and
the strobe light will turn off
- This horn signals that normal activity may resume
Thorguard Locations
- Hinsdale Community Pool
- Robbins Park
- Peirce Park
Other Non-covered Locations
- Signal horns may not be at your site, but at a site
within ear shot. If you hear the alarm, please leave the
park immediately.
- Groups/athletic organizations that are at a park without
the lightning prediction system should continue to follow
the organization's rules regarding inclement weather.
- If the weather appears to be threatening and no alarm
is heard, please leave the park.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding
the Thor Guard Lightening Prediction System, please call
the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department at (630) 789-7090.
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