June 10, 2021
A good rule for everyone is: “If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it.” The “30-30 rule” says that if you can count 30 seconds or less between seeing a lightning flash and hearing the thunder, take shelter and stay there until 30 minutes after you last hear thunder, according to environmentalists.
A man has died after he was struck by lightning on Wednesday while on a New Jersey golf course in the afternoon, ABC6 Action News has reported.
It happened around 3:45 p.m. at the Burlington Country Club located on the 100 block of Burrs Road in Westampton Township in New Jersey.
Officials told Action News that a man was struck by lightning while playing golf between the 6th and 7th holes during a thunderstorm.
According to Westampton Township police, the victim was found under a tree; detectives believe he was seeking shelter there.
Police also say the tree was struck by the lightning bolt first.
The victim has not been identified.
“It was bizarre,” said neighbor Norm Jones, who lives right by the golf course.
He says that it didn’t really look like a storm was coming through Wednesday afternoon.
“It was sunny; thundering and lightning with the sun out,” said Jones.
Meteorologist Adam Joseph reminds residents that there’s no safe place outdoors during a storm.
In the blink of an eye, dark clouds can roll in and a thunderstorm can turn the course into an unsafe environment, especially if you are far from the clubhouse. Add to the fact that golf is a game played with metal implements and things even more dangerous. … You should move away from your clubs and golf cart.
