Because lightning could hit you
During thunderstorms, avoid places where lightning may strike. Also avoid places that conduct electricity, such as metal objects and bodies of water.
The worst place to be during a Thunderstorm is anywhere that lightning would find attraction. So under a metal awing, near metal outside, under a tree or group of trees, etc. Lightning will search for a place to "go to ground". "Go to ground" in this case means electrical grounding, not the ground of earth. However, since earth now contains many places that attract lightning, the lightning "goes to ground" at the Earth's ground.
Lightning strikes from the sky when a channel of charged ions reaches down from the sky to connect with a channel of the opposite charge that is reaching up. This causes a flash of light called a step leader when electricity travels between the charges.
The only way to prepare for lightning is to stay away from it. Run to the nearest closed building or get into a closed car with a metal roof when you hear or see signs of lightning. There are no safe places out of doors during a thunderstorm. Getting under a tree is not safe. Picnic shelters, car ports, , baseball dugouts, tents, etc. are not safe. Open cars, golf carts, convertibles, jeeps, etc are not safe. Consult the weather forecasts before going camping in remote areas.
A+ Forked Lightning
During thunderstorms, avoid places where lightning may strike. Also avoid places that conduct electricity, such as metal objects and bodies of water.
A thunderstorm can present itself and various ways. Here are some:General Thunderstorm: Produces rain (sometimes heavy), lightning and thunder.Severe Thunderstorm: Produces rain (often heavy), hail, damaging winds, frequent lightning and thunder and/or tornadoes. A thunderstorm is defined as severe if it poses a considerable threat to the public.Thundersnow: Not as common, but possible. Heavy snowfall (usually during snowstorms/blizzards) can generate isolated lightning strikes which is traditionally followed by thunder.
Stay inside a solid building during severe thunderstorms. You'll also be safe in a car, as long as it's not a convertible Avoid pipes, appliances, and talking on the phone during a storm. Lightning can travel through metal pipes and wires. If you're forced to stay outside during a thunderstorm, keep away from high places, water, and tall objects. These attract lightning. If you can't find shelter, crouch down to make yourself as short as possible.
You are the highest object around in these places. Lightening looks for the easiest path and a human body is very conductive.
To prevent being struck by lightning:Don't use cellphone or electronic gadget when its lightning.Don't use a computer when lightning is in the area.Don't use a landline phone when lightning is in the area.Stay inside during a thunderstorm.
The worst place to be during a Thunderstorm is anywhere that lightning would find attraction. So under a metal awing, near metal outside, under a tree or group of trees, etc. Lightning will search for a place to "go to ground". "Go to ground" in this case means electrical grounding, not the ground of earth. However, since earth now contains many places that attract lightning, the lightning "goes to ground" at the Earth's ground.
No, you should NEVER be on a lake during a thunderstorm, it is one of the worst places to be.
Lightning strikes from the sky when a channel of charged ions reaches down from the sky to connect with a channel of the opposite charge that is reaching up. This causes a flash of light called a step leader when electricity travels between the charges.
A+ Forked Lightning
It is known as forked lightning.
A+ Forked Lightning
The only way to prepare for lightning is to stay away from it. Run to the nearest closed building or get into a closed car with a metal roof when you hear or see signs of lightning. There are no safe places out of doors during a thunderstorm. Getting under a tree is not safe. Picnic shelters, car ports, , baseball dugouts, tents, etc. are not safe. Open cars, golf carts, convertibles, jeeps, etc are not safe. Consult the weather forecasts before going camping in remote areas.