Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System

How it Works
Sensors measure and analyze the electrostatic field in the atmosphere. The sensors predict the possible occurrence of lightning 8 – 20 minutes before it could potentially strike. The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System is a proactive solution for lightning safety. Click the Thor Guard logo for an informational flyer.

Operational Statistics

• The system has a coverage area radius of 2.5 miles
• It is 97% accurate within a 2-mile radius
• System operates seven days per week, from March 1 – November 1
• Times for Nelson Sports Complex & RMHS (7:00am – 11:00pm)
• Times for Kimball Hill & Plum Grove Park (8:00am – 10:00pm)
  

When a Threat is Detected
When a threat is detected, the warning horn will sound with an uninterrupted 15-second blast and a strobe light will flash when there is a potential for a lightning strike within the coverage area. Once a threat is detected, the system continuously updates data about energy in the air 50 times per second to see if the atmosphere still retains the potential energy necessary for a lightning strike. Upon hearing the horn blast and/or seeing the strobe light, park users must leave the park and seek appropriate shelter

 

What Qualifies as Appropriate Shelter?

• Inside buildings, hard top vehicles or other lightning protected facilities and amenities
• As a last resort: Seek low-lying areas or dense woods

What to Avoid

• Open areas/isolated trees
• Elevated ground
• Maintenance machinery
• Open top of soft top vehicles
• Overhead wires/power lines
• Metal
• Water
• Wire fences

When the Threat has Diminished
When the threat has diminished, the horn will sound three (3) short four-second blasts and the strobe light will turn off. This horn signals that normal activity may resume.

 Thor Guard Locations

• Nelson Sports Complex (also audible at Community Center Parks/Fields)
• Rolling Meadows High School (also audible at Park Central & Waverly Park)
• Kimball Hill Park (also audible at Florey Park)
• Plum Grove Park (also audible at Sunset Park)

Other Non-covered Locations
Signal horns may not be at your site, but at a site within ear shot.  If you hear the alarm, please leave the park immediately. Groups/athletic organizations that are at a park without the lightning prediction system should continue to follow the organization’s rules regarding inclement weather. If the weather appears to be threatening and no alarm is heard, please leave the park.