SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Many of us are looking forward to spending time outdoors this holiday weekend. But with thunderstorms possible, conditions could change fast.
Meteorologist Jaelyn Borresen shares ways you can protect yourself if storms pop up.
The 4th of July weekend is fast approaching and while many people plan to spend time outdoors, you may want to have a plan B. With scattered thunderstorms in the forecast, it could turn your plans from fun to dangerous quickly.
A common but overlooked hazard is lightning. Since 2006, July has been the deadliest month for lightning-related fatalities. The majority of deaths have occurred during water activities and sports. So far, in 2025, four lightning-related deaths have been reported in the southern United States.
However, here in KELOLAND, we have not has a lightning fatality since 2015.
So, how can you protect yourself if thunderstorms are present in your area? You may have heard to crouch down, but that isn’t the right move. This won’t protect you and only prolongs your chance of being struck.
The safest move is to head indoors as soon as you hear thunder. This is because lightning is able to strike at least 10 miles outward from a storm. When inside, avoid touching plumbing or anything plugged into an electrical outlet. Once you have waited thirty minutes since the last rumble of thunder, you are safe to head back outside.
A great tool to have this weekend will be the KELOLAND Storm Tracker app. It is free to download and will alert you when lightning is nearby.
