YVR has recently installed a state-of-the-art lightning prediction system designed to protect passengers, employees, and airport operations from the hazards of severe weather, specifically lightning strikes.
As storms develop, there can be significant changes to temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. There is also a buildup of charged particles which cause the electric field to increase.
Thor Guard focuses on this last element, using sensors to measure the strength of these electric fields. By monitoring how much static energy is building and changing, the Thor Guard device predicts lightning strikes before they happen.
When lightning is detected in the vicinity of YVR, Thor Guard technology sounds a loud horn that informs ground handlers and airside crews there is lightning in the area.
What this means is everybody working outside, whether on foot, in vehicles or in an airplane should stop their movements and find shelter in a covered area. It might also mean that any aircraft on the ground (i.e. not actively on approach and landing) holds in position until the threat of lightning has passed.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Vancouver International Airport.
