Handling rain and strong wind at camp

Check the forecast three times

Most of dealing with weather happens before you leave. Make a habit of checking the forecast once after booking, once the day before, and once when you arrive. Look at how much rain and when, wind strength, and any weather warnings. Mountains and valleys change faster than cities, and the forecast point may differ from the actual campground, so look at the detailed forecast for the campground's area. Near a river, check not just the campground's weather but whether it is raining upstream. Rather than relying on a single number, it matters to see the pattern of when rain and wind will peak.

Not going is also a skill

If heavy rain, typhoon, or high wind warnings are out, or rivers are already rising, postponing is the surest response. Many people go anyway so as not to lose a deposit, but some campgrounds close during severe weather or have separate refund rules, so ask ahead. If the weather shows signs of turning after you arrive, it is better to decide to leave while there is still daylight. Packing gear in the dark on a stormy night is the most dangerous and exhausting situation there is. When the call is unclear, choose the safe side.

Pitching for rain

When rain is forecast, things change from the moment you pitch. Choose a slightly raised spot where water will not collect, and fold the footprint smaller than the tent floor so rain does not run underneath. Tension the guy lines so the fly does not touch the inner tent, which reduces water seeping through. Pitch the tarp with one side low so rain runs off in one direction, and keep the fabric from sagging into a pool. Pack gear and clothes in separate waterproof sacks, and keep one set of dry clothes sealed away until the end. Many campgrounds ban digging drainage trenches around tents, so check the rules.

When the water rises

Streams and rivers can rise within a short time when it rains upstream, even if hardly any rain falls where you are. Water suddenly turning murky, branches and soil floating down, or the sound of the water growing louder can be signs that it is rising. If you see these signs, do not try to gather your gear; move to higher ground immediately. Moving water around knee height can knock a person over, so do not cross rising water, and do not drive onto flooded roads. If you are cut off, wait for rescue on high ground and tell emergency services where you are.

• The water suddenly turns murky
• Branches, soil, or foam float down
• The water gets louder and visibly rises
• Staff or announcements call for evacuation

When the wind picks up

The weakest thing in wind is a tarp, whose broad surface catches the gusts. When the wind starts to build, take the tarp down first, and secure the tent with every guy line and stakes driven firmly again. Light items like chairs, tables, and empty boxes can blow away and injure people, so stow them in the car or tent. On windy days sparks travel far, so put the fire out completely. If poles bend badly or stakes keep pulling out, lower or take down the tent and shelter in the car or a campground building. Anyone inside a collapsing tent can be hurt by the poles.

Thunder and lightning

If you can hear thunder, it is safest to assume you are already within lightning's reach. Tents and tarps do not protect people from lightning, and metal poles only add to the worry. Shelter inside an ordinary car with a metal roof or a solid building, and close the windows in the car. If there is nowhere to go, avoid lone tall trees, ridges, the water's edge, and the middle of open fields, and do not gather in one spot as a group. It is best to wait a while after the last thunder before going back outside.

When you get wet, and the order for packing up

Once rain soaks your clothes, your body temperature can drop quickly in the wind even if it is not very cold. Change into dry clothes right away and have a warm drink. If you decide to leave, the order below is generally safe. Wet gear can be spread out to dry at home, so focus on packing up quickly on site.

• Move people, valuables, and dry clothes to the car first
• Put the fire out completely and stow fuel
• Take down the tarp and light items first
• Fold the tent last and stuff it into a large bag

Cautions

This guide explains general rules of thumb; warning criteria and evacuation instructions come from the weather service, local authorities, and the campground's official notices. If there is an evacuation announcement or instruction from staff, follow it immediately, however much you hate to leave gear. If you see someone swept into the water, jumping in without equipment puts the rescuer in danger too, so call emergency services and think first about throwing a rope or something that floats. Get anyone who may be hypothermic out of the wind, wrap them in dry clothes, and call for help.