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Monsoon season means extra vigilance

Summer storms in the Southwest are often accompanied by potentially deadly lightning. Visitors walking and hiking in the park are reminded that if they can hear thunder, they should consider ending outdoor activities.  Lightning strikes within Grand Canyon National Park an average of 26,073 times per year. Michael Quinn/NPS

Summer storms in the Southwest are often accompanied by potentially deadly lightning. Visitors walking and hiking in the park are reminded that if they can hear thunder, they should consider ending outdoor activities. Lightning strikes within Grand Canyon National Park an average of 26,073 times per year. Michael Quinn/NPS

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - The National Park Service (NPS) advises visitors to be safe inside the park and out during monsoon season.

Summer storms in the Southwest are often accompanied by dangerous lightning. Serious injuries and deaths have happened at Grand Canyon National Park in the past as a result of lightning strikes.

Visitors to the park are reminded that if the sound of thunder follows a lightning flash within 30 seconds or less, they should find shelter in a building or vehicle, or proceed to the nearest bus stop to get on a park shuttle.

Because lightning can strike 10 miles across the Canyon, park visitors and residents should stay away from exposed points during storms and lightning. The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is inside a building or a vehicle with the windows closed. Avoid touching metal railings when lightning is nearby.

Visitors are encouraged to remember, "If you see it, flee it; and if you hear it, clear it."

More on how to be "lightning smart," can be found on the Grand Canyon National Park's website at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/LightningDanger.pdf.

During summer storms, flash floods can also happen on trails and sometimes on roads. Flash floods are common in northern Arizona and can travel miles beyond the rainfall that generated it, which in turn can catch hikers and motorists by surprise. Visitors should remember never to camp in dry wash areas, use caution when hiking in the Grand Canyon during monsoon season, do not crossflowing water or flooded trails where water is above the knees, and move to higher ground immediately if you see or hear a flood coming.

Additional information about weather dangers and hiking safety at Grand Canyon is available on the park's backcountry hiking website at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.


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