Don't stand too close to those structures. When they get hit, the charge usually spreads out through the ground and can electrocute people standing nearby. There have been many instances where animals (and people) sheltering under trees have died en masse because the ground was charged when the tree was struck.
Stay at least 30 metres from them, but better still, pack up when the first drops of rain start to fall on you. Lightning prefers to strike where the column of rain is. Stay near your car (that's the safest place to be because it is a faraday cage) and get in if you smell ozone, your hair starts to rise or you hear humming objects around you. Don't fool yourself into thinking those objects will take the strike - if you are out in a storm, you're in danger.
Thanks Graeme, but we rarely get electrical storms on the scale you do!
The two places I have in mind are a beachfront cafe, just around the corner from me (it has a covered walkway all round) and a ruined castle on a hilltop about 5 miles from me. The cafe would be safer but the castle would make for better shots, the downside of the castle is you have to park about 400 yards from it and it is completely open to the elements.
Thanks Graeme, but we rarely get electrical storms on the scale you do!
The two places I have in mind are a beachfront cafe, just around the corner from me (it has a covered walkway all round) and a ruined castle on a hilltop about 5 miles from me. The cafe would be safer but the castle would make for better shots, the downside of the castle is you have to park about 400 yards from it and it is completely open to the elements.
Yes I am an Essex boy from Laindon and spent many days walking the marshes and woods on the hills 'twitching' (Birding). Haven't been there in 20 years but have some good shots from my youth. Crumbling Castle, Thunder clouds etc. Unfortunately all the negs are in South Africa. But thats another story.
I used to work in Ffordes Cameras , Southend during my Youth
I dont think so. I believe he closed shop and went to Scotland as Mail Order only but another shop (his ex staff) started up. NOt called ffordes anymore.