Weather Policies and Lightning Protocols

🌦️ Weather Policies

Please review Missoula Surf’s official Weather Policies by following the link below:
➡️ [View Weather Policies]  – for Heavy rain, please use the link and call the Missoula Parks and Recreation’s rain line

⚡ Lightning Safety Protocols

Player and coach safety during lightning events is extremely important. Our coaches are trained to follow strict protocols, including:

Seeking Shelter During Lightning Events

At Missoula Surf, the safety of our teams is our top priority. When lightning is in the area:

• Primary Shelter: Players will first seek shelter in their parents’ vehicles.

• Secondary Shelter: If vehicles are not available, we will move to the main bathroom building located between the Bella Vista turf field and the main pavilion.

• Alternate Shelter: If the bathroom facility becomes too crowded, teams will gather under the main pavilion.

In the event of severe weather watches or warnings on a training day, please monitor your TeamSnap app for important updates regarding cancellations or early pick-ups throughout the day and during training sessions.

Flash-to-Bang Method

• See lightning → Count the seconds until you hear thunder.

• Divide the number of seconds by 5 to estimate the distance of the lightning strike (in miles).

Safety Rule

• If the lightning is within 8 miles (40 seconds or fewer between lightning and thunder), suspend activities immediately and seek shelter.

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming activities.

📋 NCAA Reference Table

We use guidelines adapted from the NCAA to ensure safety during storms.

Table 1. Flash to Bang Method

To estimate the distance between your location and a lightning flash, use the “Flash to Bang” method: If you observe lightning, count the number of seconds until you hear thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five to obtain the distance in miles. Example: If you see lightning and it takes 10 seconds before you hear the thunder, then the lightning is 2 miles away.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe during the season!
If you have any questions, please reach out to your coach or club director.