When Severe Weather Strikes At High School Games

This has been the season for lightning delays at Mobile high school football games.

When there's a thunderstorm in the area, important decisions have to be made that can save lives.

But who makes those decisions?

Paul Christopher, general manager of Ladd-Peebles Stadium, said, "It's been a really unusual season, in that every game we've played thus far has had rain or lightning or both."

Christopher said if there's lightning during the game, it’s the job of the head referee, consulting with the two head coaches, to decide whether or not to call for a delay.

He said, "Once the game has started, or if you delay the kickoff, then you're supposed to wait thirty minutes after the last visible lightning strikes before you resume play."

If you're planning on coming to Ladd and you're worried about bad weather, remember you can't take umbrellas inside the stadium.

But many fans attending the game between Williamson and Gulf Shores Friday night at Ladd said they've been at games when bad weather hits, and they prepare.

Jackie Lewis of Mobile said, "I have two ponchos for me and my son. I'm prepared."

When asked if he had been to any games this year when there were lightning delays, Boyette Hunter of Mobile said, "Yes, the first game for Williamson. (The delay was) an hour and a half. We just waited patiently. We were hoping they would play the game and they did."