Flash Boom 5.0

The purpose of Flash Boom is to provide an estimate of the distance to a lightning strike. Traditionally, a rough rule suggests allowing approximately 5 seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder for each mile (or about 3 seconds per kilometer). However, more precise measurements indicate it is closer to 4.72 seconds per mile and 2.99 seconds per kilometer. For further information, please refer to http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Distance-from-Lightning.

Operationally, users should tap the FLASH button upon sighting lightning; this action will change the button to display BOOM. Subsequently, when thunder is audible, users should tap the BOOM button. It is important to note that thunder usually does not propagate beyond 15 miles (24 kilometers).

According to safety guidelines, if you estimate that lightning is within 5 miles, seek immediate shelter.

Credit for the original concept of Flash Boom goes to Kim Moelgaard, who developed a version for the Palm OS. The current implementation has been adapted for the iPhone platform without access to the original source code.

Enjoy using this tool responsibly.