Rock climbing in a storm will significantly increase the risk, but if it must be carried out due to an emergency or force majeure, the following measures can be taken to minimize the risk. It should be noted: **If it is not extremely necessary, such behavior should be absolutely avoided**. --- ###**1. Risk assessment and decision-making** 1. **Priority evacuation** -Storms are often accompanied by rockfalls, lightning, slippery rock walls and reduced visibility. Evacuation is the safest option. If the route is familiar and the distance is short, you should withdraw decisively. 2. **Assess the necessity** -If emergencies such as being trapped or rescuing others need to continue, the team needs to quickly assess: route difficulty, rock quality (such as sandstone, which is more fragile in case of water), and lightning distance (lightning precedes thunder for 30 seconds = 10 kilometers). --- ###**2. Key response measures** 1. **Anti-skid and equipment** -**Gloves and shoes**: Use non-slip rock climbing gloves (such as wet rock climbing gloves) and wear high-friction rock climbing shoes (such as Five Ten Quantum). -**Rope protection**: Even if you originally climbed freely, you need to set up a top rope or protection point, and use a waterproof rope bag to reduce the water absorption and weight gain of the rope. -**Backup anchor points**: Due to the possibility of loosening of the rock mass, each protection point needs to be set redundancy (such as double bolts + mechanical plugs). 2. **Avoid high-risk areas** -**Lightning**: Stay away from ridges, lonely trees, and metal equipment. If lightning is approaching, crouch down in a low-lying place with your feet together to reduce the stepping voltage. -**Falling rocks and water flow**: Avoid loose rock walls and grooves (sudden water flow may occur). Choose to tilt inward or temporarily avoid the eaves terrain. 3. **Teamwork** -Shorten the protection spacing and increase the frequency of communication (use whistles or headlight signals to compensate for wind and rain interference). -Ensure that at least one member remains awake and monitors environmental changes (such as rising water levels and the direction of thunderstorms). --- ###**Three, emergency preparedness** 1. **Waterproof and thermal insulation** -Wear a waterproof and breathable jacket (such as Gore-Tex), the inner layer retains sweat-wicking base clothing to prevent temperature loss. -Seal electronic equipment (walkie-talkies, mobile phones) in waterproof bags, with life-saving blankets for emergency use. 2. **Retreat plan** -Plan emergency descent routes (such as fixed ropes or auxiliary descenders) in advance to avoid returning to the path that may be flooded the same way. --- ###**Four, post-mortem treatment** -Equipment inspection**: Rainwater may corrode metal equipment (such as quick-hanging, rock plugs), and it needs to be thoroughly dried and lubricated. -**Physical recovery**: Prolonged exposure can easily lead to hypothermia. Change dry clothes in time to replenish heat. --- ###**Important reminder** Even if fully prepared, the death rate of rock climbing in storms is still extremely high. **The International Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) recommends**: Activities should be suspended immediately in case of bad weather. If you are planning such behavior, please reconsider-the power of nature is far beyond human control, and safety is always the first principle.