We are now on our return trip home from PA back to Seattle. Last night we spent the night in Wall, SD. I fell asleep early and was awakened by the thunder around 10 PM. We watched the storm blow in and we were amazed at the ferocity as the storm built. Don't you know the dog hadn't had his last "walk" before retiring. My wife was scared as we were parked between 2 trees and also between 2 large RVs. I kept telling her we were very safe but I have to admit when one strike hit fairly close and the boom from the thunder set off my truck alarm, I was having second thoughts. My philosophy was that we were relatively safe, there really wasn't anything we could have done differently, so we might as well enjoy the show. Also going outside to hook up and move would be stupid. What precautions do you take for lightning? What else should we have done? I expect we will hit another one or two of these along the way home. I sure hope I don't have to ask about tornados next!
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Oh yeah, the wife & Beagle come along too!
being in the rv trees are your biggest enemy falling on you if your between to large rvs maybe they would take the hit first,been in storms befor no problems the chance of trees falling on the rv would be what i would worry about most.
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You can do a search for surge protection and read my story where lightning hit a tree 6ft from my TT. It was very scary, thank God for my Surge Guard as it saved my TT, the ones parked down the row from me lost everything. I am not claiming the SG will protect against strikes all the time, I am just saying what it did for me. Lowering the TV antenna would be a good idea and if possible disconnect power and cable if it looks like it is going to be a bad one. I live in Tstorm alley and am use to strikes hitting close to the house, it can be scary. Have a safe trip home!!
NCH
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Keep in mind the summer storms in that area can be severe and tornados are not uncommon. I would advise having a weather radio along so as to be warned about impending storms. In a major storm it might be advisable to seek shelter in a storm shelter.
When we were in Utah last summer we had quite a storm. The Rvers next to us said to unplug the power, cable tv, and put up jacks. We did all except the jacks. It was a very windy/gusty storm and we were taking the gusts on the side. Very scary storm!! Caused lots of fires in Utah.
Safe travels!
Sounds like you had an experience! When a storm rolls through we "batten down the hatches" and make sure nothing can fly away or be damaged. Then we head inside and watch the storm.
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Yeah, there are certain situations where campers fare badly.
Then again, a direct hit by a tornado and who says you'll survive in a regular house? Also, I'm not so sure your average "real" bedroom is neccesarily going to keep you alive when a big tree takes aim at your bed.
Abandon the camper?- yeah, except getting hit by lightning kills more folks than winds, and who says you can't get killed in the car, or by a flood when you get into the ditch.
Right or wrong, a lot of folks survive thunderstorms every day and live to tell about it.
And right or wrong, thunderstorms will generate the occasional strong wind gust.
I sort of go with the weather radio crowd. If there's a tornado aiming at the campground (or house), you better do something. If it's "just" a thunderstorm, sit tight and try to enjoy it, and be philosopical that sooner or later the odds of everything risky in the world will catch up with you and kill you!
We had a humdinger of a thunderstorm last night. We managed to get the awning put away before it became airbourne After we got the windows closed, we relaxed and watched the show before getting back to sleep.
We have been thru a lot of them, and most don't bother us. However...we always locate the nearest shelter, just in case. Here, tho...there are no shelters.....
BTW...two campers lost their awnings last nite.
Dianne
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Sounds like you may have stayed at the Arrow CG. We were there a couple of years ago and had the same experience. Parked near the back row toward the west. Watched a storm develop and come howling in from toward Rapid City. Rain blowing horizontal and wind moving most everything that was not nailed down. Luckily we were facing west and took the storm on the front of the MH. Put the slides in and waited it out for a few minutes as the front passed. Sun was shining again before evening.
So, is it a good idea to unplug from power and water if you don't have surge protection? Our local RV dealer doesn't have surge protection in stock I discovered on the way to our campsite last week so when a T storm blew through I unplugged the power but left the water. The water is pumped up so when we lost power shortly into the storm we lost water anyway. Was this the correct procedure? I did that After I rolled the awning and stowed everything I could under the trailer...
Lesson I did learn however... carry some water in the fresh water tank! I wasn't thinking about losing direct water when the power went out. Luckily we had a little left from the drive over but a lot of campers in the park didn't have any water on board which made for toilet flushing difficulties. I also want another of those vent covers as it was extrememly humid in there with 2 four year olds and 4 adults and a rain storm.
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After we got the windows closed, we relaxed and watched the show before getting back to sleep. 
