To all league volunteers, MPB has a lightning policy that follows the National Weather Service’s recommendation that all outdoor sports should wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before resuming play.  A league Board member or an umpire can stop the game in these conditions.  Everyone shall take cover away from fencing and dugouts with metal roofs.  Also, do not stand under a tree during a lightning storm.

When should activities be stopped?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• If you hear thunder.
  OR
• ​​​​​​​If you see lightning within 10 miles of game location.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

When should activities be resumed?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• At least 30 minutes after last the last thunder.​​​​​​​

Where should people go for safe shelter?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Inside a regular building (no sheds or simple rain shelters)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Inside a vehicle​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• It is not safe to remain outside during electrical storms!

FACTS ABOUT LIGHTNING​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• The average lightning stroke is 6 miles long.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• The average thunderstorm is 6-10 miles long and can be heard over a distance of 3-4 miles, depending on humidity, terrain and other factors.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• The average thunderstorm travels at a rate of 25 MPH.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you are at an immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strikes coming from the overhanging anvil cloud.  Because of this, many lightning deaths and injuries occur with clear skies overhead.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the United States each year.  Approximately 10% of all thunderstorms are severe enough to produce high winds, flash floods and tornadoes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Thunderstorms cause an average of 200 deaths and 700 injuries in the United States alone each year, most of which could be prevented by following precautions