Audio By Carbonatix
While hiking can be a fun, beautiful form of exercise and an exciting way to explore the world, it can also come with dangers—some of which you wouldn’t exactly expect.
The internet is full of fun hiking-related stories, from the dude who attempted the “24 burgers, 24 beers, and 24 miles in 24 hours” challenge to people who have dramatically changed their bodies through hiking. However, there are also some scary stories and tales of near-misses, one of which was recently shared by TikTok user Anu Subedi (@anusubedi).
Now, other users on the platform are taking it as a warning.
What Went Wrong On This Hike?
In her video, which has more than 3.7 million views, Subedi shows a man standing on the top of a hill. His hair is being pulled into the air.
“Smiling at the view… not knowing our hair was literally warning us,” she writes in the text overlaying the video. The video also shows her hair, which, too, is standing up.
So, what does this mean? In short, it meant that Subedi and her hiking partner could soon be struck by lightning.
As noted by the National Weather Service, if one’s hair stands on end, it could be a warning sign that lightning is about to strike them and they should “move indoors as quickly as possible.”
Accuweather explains that this happens when a lot of static electricity builds up right before a lightning strike.
Just a few milliseconds before lightning strikes, negative charges from the cloud move toward the ground, and positive charges rise up from the ground, causing the effect shown in the video.
If you find yourself in this position, it’s advisable to get inside a building or car immediately.
However, in cases like Subedi’s, where there appears to not be shelter nearby, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that one should quickly move away from high ground, water, and anything that conducts electricity. They should also avoid isolated trees and rocky overhangs, and if in a forest, stay near shorter trees. Once you are in a safe position, do not lie flat; instead, crouch low with your head tucked and hands over your ears to minimize contact with the ground.
Commenters Are Shocked
In the comments section, users were thankful that Subedi was able to escape the situation unharmed— but warned that things could have been much worse.
“As someone who lives in the lightning capitol of the world, this is a sign to run for cover,” wrote a user.
“You’re so lucky no one got hurt,” offered another. “that’s crazy.”
“This happened to me when I was 17 and my friend and I were on a cruise ship pulling out of port. My friend and I were giggling,” recalled a third. “We met up with my mom and she told me I could have gotten struck by lightning. I’m so thankful I didn’t.”
We’ve reached out to Subedi via email.
@anusubedi Realized only after I saw his hair 😬