Thunderstorm Condition I is set when there is lightning within how many nautical miles of NAS Pensacola?

• A. Within 5 NM
• B. Within 10 NM
• C. Within 15 NM
• D. Within 20 NM

Answer: (B)

Thunderstorm Condition I is the alert level used when lightning is detected within a close distance to NAS Pensacola. That distance is 10 nautical miles. This proximity signals a real, near-term risk to people and equipment, so safety procedures kick in: outdoor activities are limited or halted, and operations like flight or outdoor maintenance may be adjusted to keep personnel sheltered and assets protected. The 10 NM threshold provides a practical heads-up for quick action because lightning can strike with little warning and storms can affect the base even if the rain isn’t immediately overhead. If the storm is even closer (a smaller distance), the measures would be more urgent; if it’s farther away, the alert level would be lower.