Bringing prospects to our beaches in Pelican Bay during the summer months? You may have seen our Thor Guard monitors at various tram stations and other Foundation buildings. Perhaps you may have heard horn blasts on your way to the beach or have wondered why there were no trams at a station for a certain period of time. Pelican Bay Foundation uses a tool to keep our beachgoers safe during the year, particularly when thunderstorms are more frequent. We have a lightning prediction system called Thor Guard.
Thor Guard is a lightning prediction system used in Pelican Bay since 2009. It is a highly accurate system for lightning prediction, commonly used across North America and considered a valuable tool in ensuring that members reach a safe destination.
How do I monitor Thor Guard?
The ability for members to make informed decisions by checking Thor Guard is made available through these various channels:
- Thor Guard monitors are available to view at Foundation buildings and all tram stations (with the exception of Tram Station #1).
- Pelican Bay mobile app under the “Weather” tab.
- Foundation website at www.pelicanbay.org. under Beach Conditions and Restaurant pages.
CAUTION
What it means:
The atmosphere is unstable with the potential of lightning nearby.
What will happen:
Staff will advise members we are in a CAUTION and a RED ALERT could be imminent. When at the beach or in the water, the Foundation staff will raise a yellow caution pennant to advise that Thor Guard has gone into caution mode.
What to do:
During a period of expected storm activity, members and their guests should be cognizant and alert to this advance warning. Make your decisions to plan accordingly on whether you go to the beach or restaurants at this time.
RED ALERT
What it means:
Thor Guard has predicted that there is lightning in the vicinity and it is unsafe for anyone to be out in the open. One LONG HORN BLAST will sound.
What will happen:
All tram and beach operations will shut down during the RED ALERT and will not resume operations until the ALL CLEAR has sounded.
What to do:
Available trams have 13 minutes from the initiation of the RED ALERT to transport you to Tram Station #4 (Commons) or Tram Station #8 (North Lot) and proceed to your vehicle. If you are at the beach, you should immediately pack up and seek a safe shelter. If you remain at the restaurant, you should also seek safe shelter.
ALL CLEAR
What it means:
The threat of lightning in the area has been cleared.
What will happen:
After a RED ALERT, three short horn blasts will signal an ALL CLEAR. Tram and beach operations will resume normal operations.
What to do:
Enjoy your time on the berm, at the beach and restaurants.
**For the safety of members and employees, please note that staff cannot assist in any way during a RED ALERT. If you choose to walk, it is at your own discretion.