An electrical storm is considered "in the near vicinity" when it is within approximately how many miles of the munitions storage area?

An electrical storm is generally deemed to be "in the near vicinity" of a munitions storage area when it is within approximately five miles. This proximity is crucial for safety procedures, as electrical storms pose significant hazards to munitions due to the risk of lightning strikes. Lightning can ignite munitions or cause catastrophic failures if it strikes storage sites.

The five-mile threshold is a standard guideline used in safety protocols to ensure that personnel remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions when severe weather is in the area. Understanding this distance helps inform command decisions about the safety of operations and personnel in relation to electrical storms, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols in munitions handling and storage.