In this type of situation, reactions can vary and may even be skeptical in response to a sometimes lengthy interruption. These reactions are understandable. However, the protocols applied, particularly in the United States, are based on clear rules: play is stopped when lightning is detected within a radius of approximately 13 km, and can only resume after 30 minutes without further electrical activity, with the delay reset after each new strike. Meteorage fully supports these approaches, which help strengthen safety in outdoor activities.

The analysis of 10 years of lightning-related accidents in Europe (215 cases studied, including 56 in France) shows that 60% of victims were engaged in outdoor leisure activities and that 11% of accidents occurred in stadiums or sports facilities. It also highlights that the majority of thunderstorms responsible for accidents could have been anticipated, often more than 30 minutes in advance.

The challenge lies not only in deciding when to interrupt an activity, but also in determining when it can be safely resumed. Many accidents occur when the storm appears to move away or lose intensity, creating a false sense of safety. This is precisely why the 30-minute rule after the last detected lightning strike remains essential to frame the resumption of activities. Decisions cannot rely solely on human perception. Visual and auditory signals are inherently variable and sometimes misleading. While useful at an individual level, they are not suited to managing the safety of a group or a stadium.

Risk management must therefore rely on accurate lightning detection, alerts and real-time monitoring of thunderstorm activity, as well as predefined protocols, in order to leave no room for improvisation.

View the press release