Lightning Safety

Thor Guard Lightning Prediction Systems

To further enhance the safety for our community, the City of Winter Park has four Thor Guard Lightning Prediction and Warning System located in City Parks. There is a system located at Ward Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the Winter Park Community Center, and the Winter Park Golf Course. The system is the newest technology available and is widely used throughout the country in municipal parks and PGA golf courses. Patrons visiting these parks will now have an audible and visual warning signal when potential lightning strikes are in the immediate area.

When the lightning warning system predicts lightning strikes in the immediate area, one 15 second blast of the horn will signal suspension of all outdoor activities while the strobe light will begin flashing and remain flashing until safe conditions return. Everyone should immediately seek an appropriate, safe shelter (buildings, large shelters, or automobiles). When the alarm sounds the park will be closed.

The park will reopen and activities may resume only after 3 five second blasts of the horn are sounded and the strobe light stops flashing.

The Thor Guard Lightning Prediction and Warning System will only be activated from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Lightning is a severe hazard that must be taken seriously. All patrons, teams, children, and adults attending these parks should strictly adhere to these warning signals and seek proper shelter. Everyone should immediately seek shelter any time they believe lightning threatens them, even if a signal has not been sounded.

Our Vision

Winter Park is the city of arts and culture, cherishing its traditional scale and charm while building a healthy and sustainable future for all generations.