Lightning Prediction & Warning System

Thor TV Graphic⚡ Enhanced Safety: Atlantic Beach’s Lightning Prediction System ⚡

The City of Atlantic Beach is committed to enhancing public safety with our upgraded Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System. This advanced technology helps protect our residents and visitors from the dangers of lightning.

Expanded Coverage for Your Safety:

The City now has Thor Guard systems at the following locations:

  • 6th Street beach access
  • 15th Street beach access
  • Ahern Street beach access
  • Russell Park
  • Donner Park

These new installations expand our coverage, providing earlier warnings and greater peace of mind for those enjoying our beautiful city. Here are photos of the systems at four locations; a fifth system, at Donner Park, was added in September 2025.

How the Thor Guard System Works: Predicting Lightning Strikes for a Safer Approach

Unlike traditional systems that detect lightning after it strikes, Thor Guard measures the electrostatic energy in the atmosphere. This allows us to predict lightning before it occurs, providing crucial warnings 8 to 20 minutes before a potential cloud-to-ground lightning strike within a 2-mile radius.

The systems are operational daily between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Thorguard Locations Photos-page-002-AhernWarning Signals:

When a lightning threat is predicted:

  • A 15-second uninterrupted horn blast will sound.
  • A white strobe light will activate and continue flashing until the danger has passed.

All Clear Signal:

When the danger has passed:

  • The horn will sound three short 5-second blasts.
  • The strobe light will turn off.

Safety Guidelines: Your Role in Lightning Safety

Make safety your FIRST priority. Please adhere to these guidelines when the Thor Guard system activates:

  • Seek Shelter Immediately: Upon hearing the warning horn or seeing the strobe light, go indoors or into a fully enclosed vehicle at once.
  • Remain Sheltered: Stay inside until the all-clear signal is given.
  • Exercise Caution: Even without a warning, always use your best judgment during threatening weather. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

These Thor Guard systems operate seven days a week, continuously monitoring the atmosphere to ensure the safety of our community.

General Lightning Safety Tips:

Even with our advanced prediction system, it's crucial to understand and practice general lightning safety.

  • "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!": If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Seek safe shelter immediately.
  • Avoid Open Areas: Stay away from open fields, beaches, and golf courses during a thunderstorm.
  • Stay Away from Tall Objects: Do not stand under tall trees, poles, or other elevated objects, as lightning tends to strike the tallest point.
  • Steer Clear of Water: Get out of and away from pools, lakes, and the ocean during a thunderstorm. Water conducts electricity.
  • Unplug Electronics: Lightning can travel through electrical systems. Unplug sensitive electronics like computers and TVs.
  • Avoid Windows and Doors: Stay away from windows, doors, and porches, as lightning can strike outside and travel through these openings.
  • Do Not Use Landline Phones: Lightning can travel through phone lines. Use a cell phone instead.
  • If Outdoors and Unable to Find Shelter: Crouch down on the balls of your feet, minimize your contact with the ground, and place your hands over your ears. Do NOT lie flat on the ground.
  • Wait 30 Minutes After the Last Thunder: Do not resume outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder.

Thor TV:

Thor TV is a web-based display product offered by ThorGuard Lightning Prediction Systems. It's designed to show real-time lightning prediction and detection data from ThorGuard’s Atlantic Beach system. View it here.

Here's a breakdown of what Thor TV provides:

  • Real-time data: It displays live lightning and weather status, including "Force Level" (the probability of lightning developing), and potentially "Dynamic Index" (DI), which indicates the chance of lightning nearby.
  • Warning levels:Thor TV visually indicates the warning levels, typically including: 
    • ALL CLEAR: No threat.
    • CAUTION: Be alert, atmospheric energy is changing.
    • WARNING: Atmospheric energy is in flux, and a thunderstorm may be in the area.
    • RED ALERT: High potential for lightning, all activities should stop.

Essentially, Thor TV serves as a visual dashboard for a ThorGuard system, helping organizations communicate the current lightning and weather threat levels to those in the area.

Stay Safe. Stay Informed.

For questions about the Atlantic Beach Lightning Prediction & Warning System, please:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Thor Guard System

Q. When did the system become operational? A. The original system became operational on May 31, 2019. The system has since been upgraded and expanded.

Q. Did recent lightning strikes influence the City’s decision to install a lightning-prediction system? A. Yes. The most recent significant event before the initial installation was in 2018 when lightning hospitalized two men and sparked a house fire in Atlantic Beach.

Q. Will the system wake people overnight? A. No. It is only operational between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Q. Is this a temporary project or is it permanent? A. It’s intended to be permanent. The primary coverage area is the area along and near the beach. The system has already been expanded westward to cover Russell Park, as initially anticipated. Please note that Atlantic Beach Country Club also has a lightning prediction system, complementing our city-wide efforts.

Q. Are you able to change the direction and/or volume of the sirens? A. Some adjustments can be made. We encourage residents to contact us (at info@coab.us or 247-5804) with their feedback.

Q. What was the initial cost of this system, and how was that funded? A. The initial system cost $26,275; $25,000 of which came from our tourist development fund.

Q. Is there a recurring cost? A. Yes. There is an annual maintenance cost.

Q. Where can I get more info about Thor Guard? A. You can visit the Thor Guard website at www.thorguard.com.