Lightning is many times deadly and unpredictable. To add to this danger, Florida experiences a higher concentration of lightning because of its location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is common knowledge that one must seek shelter if one hears thunder or sees lightning. But sometimes these precautions are not heeded soon enough. To increase resident and visitor safety, Pinecrest parks now have widely used state-of-the-art lightning detection technology that measures electrostatic charges at ground level and in the atmosphere.
Here is how the lightning detection system works: A 15-second horn indicates that there is a 97 percent chance that there will be a lightning strike within two miles. The system gives an 8 to 20 minute advanced warning to allow you and your family to seek shelter in one of our facility shelters or in a car. At the same time a hearing-impaired friendly amber strobe will begin to flash and continue flashing until the storm has safely passed.
Once conditions are no longer conductive for a lightning strike, three five-second alarms will be heard to indicate that it is safe to resume outdoor activities. The lightning detection system will also assist area residents in proximity to Pinecrest parks know when it is safe to be outside during a weather event.
The lightning detection system will only be on during park hours. For more information please contact the parks and recreation department at 305.284.0900.
