The St. Simons rain, lightning and severe-weather plan

Check three conditions, not one weather icon

Look at the hourly forecast, radar and any active National Weather Service alert before leaving. Then check beach or surf warnings if the trip includes East Beach or Massengale. A sunny icon for the day can still contain an afternoon thunderstorm window, dangerous heat or a surf hazard.

Choose a turnaround time and identify a substantial enclosed building near the route. Open-sided picnic shelters, beach pavilions and a golf-cart roof do not count as lightning protection. Riders on two-wheel vehicles should have enough time to park and enter shelter before the storm reaches them—not after rain begins.

• ✓Charge the phone and keep the Wavy booking number available offline.
• ✓Avoid a long exposed outing when thunderstorm timing is uncertain.
• ✓Keep rain gear secured; loose ponchos, towels and covers can catch in wheels or obscure vision.
• ✓Never attach an improvised enclosure that interferes with mirrors, lights, ventilation or exit.

End the ride and get into real shelter

The National Weather Service is direct: when thunder is heard, go indoors. Leave the beach, pier, path and open parking area. Enter a substantial enclosed building or a hard-topped enclosed motor vehicle with its windows up. A Yamaha golf cart has a canopy and windshield, but it does not have the enclosing metal shell that makes an automobile a recommended lightning refuge.

Do not shelter under a tree, pavilion, canopy, open garage or beach restroom that lacks the substantial construction described by weather officials. Do not remain on a stand-up scooter or e-moped. Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activity.

Reduced visibility and standing water can still end the trip

Rain changes tire grip, braking distance and what other drivers can see. Slow before turns, increase following distance, use lights when visibility is reduced and avoid painted surfaces, wet leaves, loose sand and puddles that hide holes. Two-wheel riders should be especially conservative because small tires and narrow contact patches react quickly to slick surfaces.

Never enter standing or moving water when depth is unknown. Water can hide a washed edge, stall a vehicle, damage electrical components or move faster than it appears. If a legal, safe parking location is available, stop, secure the vehicle and wait indoors. If the vehicle cannot be safely continued, use My Trips or call Wavy rather than trying to “make it back.”

Secure the rental without creating a second hazard

Park out of the travel lane, drainage flow, sidewalk, shared-use path, accessible aisle and low area. On the golf cart, engage the parking brake, switch off power and lights, remove the key and take personal items. Lock a scooter or e-moped at the approved location without blocking a ramp or pedestrian route.

Do not cover a hot exhaust, charger or battery with a towel or plastic sheet. Do not charge an electric vehicle outdoors in rain, through standing water or with a wet connector. Use only the supplied charger, a dry approved outlet and the handoff instructions.

Treat extreme heat as a route-changing condition

Heat exposure builds even when the vehicle is moving. The National Weather Service recommends water, light clothing, shade or air-conditioned breaks and shifting outdoor activity to cooler hours. Children, older adults, pregnant people and guests with certain health conditions can be affected sooner.

Dizziness, weakness, confusion, hot skin or collapse are not cues to finish the trip. Move to a cool place and seek medical help; heat stroke is a 911 emergency. Never leave a person or pet unattended in or around a parked vehicle.

Official instructions outrank the itinerary and the reservation

Glynn County uses CodeRED for urgent messages such as evacuation orders, fires, floods and utility emergencies. Visitors can register rather than assuming their phone is already included. The county also publishes emergency information through its EMA channels and local broadcasts.

If officials order evacuation or protective action, leave as directed in a legal highway-capable vehicle or provided transportation—never attempt to evacuate on a golf cart, stand-up scooter or e-moped. Do not delay to return the rental. When everyone is safe, contact Wavy with the vehicle location and follow the emergency trip instructions.

Inspect before restarting

Before riding again, look for a low tire, pooled water, loose debris, damaged light, wet control, warning indicator or anything moved by wind. Test steering and brakes at walking speed in a safe area. If something feels different, stop and contact Wavy.

Weather alone does not automatically cancel a reservation, but safety controls every operating decision. Wavy can document the situation, arrange safe retrieval when needed and explain any availability-based options without asking a guest to operate in unsafe conditions.