While we all know the saying “lightning never strikes in the same place twice,” according to NOAA, lightning does, however, strike in the United States about 25 million times a year. And while lightning occurs most often during the summer months, you can still be struck at any time of year.
Lightning strikes are responsible for killing an average of 49 people in the United States each year as well as severely injuring hundreds more. 2016 alone has witnessed 38 deaths in the U.S. thus far.
When thunderstorms are in the area, there is no safe place outside. If you can hear thunder or see lightning, you are within striking distance and at risk. According to National Geographic, lightning “frequently strikes away from the rain core, either ahead or behind the thunderstorm” and “can strike as far as five or 10 miles from the storm.” Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to mitigate the danger that being outside during a thunderstorm poses. The only way to remain completely safe is to go inside — either a safe building or vehicle.
Entirely too often people wait far longer than they should to get to a safe place inside and these sluggish reactions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the U.S. Due to how often lightning strikes in the U.S., it is unreasonable to expect the National Weather Service will offer a warning with every flash — so they don’t.
If the National Weather Service won’t supply warnings, how can you expect to remain safe while enjoying the great outdoors? Until recently there wasn’t a device on the market that detected both weather and lightning in one, but that has changed with the INO Weather Pro.
INO Weather Pro is the only device that combines traditional weather measurements with lightning detection to help you make important decisions that can keep you safe outside. With the innovative INO Weather Pro, you’re able to get accurate weather information delivered to the palm of your hand, in real time, right where you are.
The lightweight, rugged device features a number of attributes aimed at keeping you informed about what is going on outside and can help you monitor the weather no matter where adventure takes you. The INO Weather Pro’s sensors are able to measure temperature, humidity, barometric pressure as well as providing visual and auditory feedback of lightning strike distances up to 40 miles. In addition, from the other readings, the device is able to measure altitude, heat index and dew point.
The myriad capabilities that the INO Weather Pro offers are beneficial to anyone that spends time outdoors hiking, biking, boating, fishing, hunting or camping. The convenient, water-resistant device is easy to use and will allow you to have more fun (safely!) outside. With the ability to monitor for approaching inclement weather, outdoor enthusiasts are able to make educated decisions about how long to stay outside, whether to seek shelter, what meteorologic changes may be on the horizon and much more.
