At Sugar Creek Golf Course, the safety of our golfers, driving range guests, junior golfers, leagues and staff is a top priority. Sugar Creek utilizes the Perry Weather Lightning Detection System to help monitor potentially dangerous weather conditions and provide timely alerts when lightning is detected in the area.
The Perry Weather system uses a nationwide lightning detection network with advanced sensors that triangulate the exact location, type (cloud-to-ground or cloud-to-cloud), and intensity of lightning strikes in real time. Because the system detects confirmed lightning strikes - not just atmospheric interference - alerts are accurate and dependable.
When lightning is detected within the monitored area, the cloud-based system activates the golf course warning sirens and mobile notifications in less than 15 seconds. The monitored coverage area extends within a 7-mile radius of the golf course.
System Operating Hours
- April 1 to September 30: Sunday-Saturday from 7am-11pm
- Driving range and course close by 9pm daily.
Lightning Safety Procedures
When lightning is visible, thunder is heard, or the Sugar Creek lightning detection system activates, all outdoor activities must stop immediately. This includes:
- Golf on the course play
- Driving range use
- Practice putting green area
- Golf clinics and Junior golf camp
- Golf outings and leagues
All players and guests should immediately seek safe shelter (return to clubhouse).
Warning Siren
A warning siren consisting of one continuous 10-second blast, along with a flashing strobe light, indicates the potential for lightning within the coverage area. When the warning siren sounds:
- Immediately leave the golf course, driving range, and all practice areas.
- Seek shelter inside the clubhouse or inside a fully enclosed vehicle.
- Avoid trees, golf carts, shelters, fences, and metal objects.
- Stay away from open areas and water.
- Avoid using electrical devices or telephones when indoors.
- If your hair begins to stand on end, immediately crouch down on your knees with hands on knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
For everyone’s safety, play and practice activities should not resume until the Perry Weather system issues the official all-clear signal.
All Clear Signal
When the system senses that conditions are safe, the siren will sound three short 5-second blasts and the strobe light will turn off. This indicates that golfers and guests may resume normal activities.
It is important to remember that even if the lightning detection system does not sound, threatening weather conditions may still exist. Golfers and guests should always use good judgment and seek shelter whenever conditions appear unsafe.
Individuals choosing to remain on the golf course or practice areas after a warning siren has sounded do so at their own risk.