STORM2K

Lightning Detection System Installed In Seminole County Florida Parks

POSTED: 8:23 a.m. EDT July 11, 2004

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. -- Crews installed new sensors at 5 Seminole County parks. Their job is to detect lightning and give people outdoors eight to 20 minutes to head inside in the event of a bad storm.

Hunter Ross is the technician installing the system, which is designed to alert area residents to lightning. "It will be one long fifteen second blast letting them know they need to vacate the area."


The 30,000 dollar network of sensors is good news for Youssef Shami and his two daughters. He moved here 20 years ago and remembers how shocked he was to see central florida's lightning storms.

"Obviously you've seen lightning before but over here it is just awesome. It shows you the power of nature," Shami says.

The sensors will detect lightning before it approaches your family, within a two mile radius. In addition to the horn, people will also see a flashing light. Another layer of protection for your family and Shami's.

"I really think it's beyond my control. I just hope it doesn't strike me or my family members," Shami says.

The sensors will be installed in five parks, including Sylvan Lake, Soldiers Creek, Red Bug Park, Sanlando Park, and the Seminole County softball complex.

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