A closeup image of a Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System shows the multiple horns mounted under its rim. | Thor Guard
Published on May 9, 2025 at 1:25 pm
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Atlantic Beach is expanding a lightning alert system on its beachfront.
Two more of the pole-mounted systems will be placed at the Ahern Street beach access, and Russell Park, on top of two others along the oceanfront.
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The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System predicts lightning strikes by analyzing electrostatic energy in the atmosphere, then providing warnings eight to 20 minutes before a potential cloud-to-ground lightning strike within a 2-mile radius.
When lightning is sensed, the systems issue a 15-second horn blast and a white strobe light flashes until the threat has passed. Beachgoers should get inside a building or car and stay there until the all-clear signal is given.
The all clear is signaled by three short five-second horn blasts as the strobe light turns off.
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The systems are already in place at the 6th and 15th Street beach accesses. They operate between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, officials say.
More information is at coab.us/lightning.
