Watching an intense lightning display can leave one awestruck at nature’s power. But being in a vulnerable location – outdoors or indoors – puts you in danger. In general, the odds of being struck by lightning are low – less than 1in a million – and injuries from strikes are more common than deaths. However, most of those deaths occur in the summer, and particularly in July. This is due to the combination of increased outdoor activity and thunderstorm activity. With summer events in full swing, it’s important to have a general understanding of how lightning behaves, the dos and don’ts during a thunderstorm, and to separate lightning myths from facts.

The Thunder-Lightning Connection

It’s important to remember that if there is a thunderstorm, there’s lightning somewhere, as thunder comes from lightning. Thunderstorms form when the right “ingredients” are present: moisture, unstable air, and some factor that forces that air to rise, such as when warm and cooler air meet. Storm clouds then form in parts of the atmosphere where temperatures are below freezing, allowing tiny bits of ice and water to develop and collide, building up electrical charges. The release of that electricity is a bolt of lightning, and the sound wave it creates is thunder.

So if you see lightning, what is a safe distance? A good rule of thumb for gauging lightning danger is the “flash-to-bang” method. After you see a flash of lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. Divide that number by five, to estimate how many miles away the storm is. If thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds (6 miles), you’re within striking distance and should seek shelter immediately. Remember: If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. Lightning can strike 6–10 miles away from the visible part of the thunderstorm, far outside where rain is falling or the skies look threatening. In certain circumstances, that distance may be even greater.

Dispelling Common Myths

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Lightning often strikes the same location repeatedly, especially tall structures like skyscrapers, towers, or mountain peaks.

Myth: Rubber-soled shoes or car tires protect you from lightning.
Fact: Rubber offers virtually no protection. What keeps you safe in a vehicle is the metal roof and frame—not the tires.

Myth: If it’s not raining or the sky is clear, you’re safe from lightning.
Fact: Lightning can strike 6–10 miles away from the storm—sometimes even farther—well before rain starts or clouds are overhead.

Myth: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and are dangerous to touch.
Fact: People do not hold an electric charge after being struck. It is safe to help them—call 911 and provide first aid immediately.

Myth: Lying flat on the ground during a thunderstorm will protect you.
Fact: This increases your risk by exposing more of your body to ground current. Instead, crouch down low on the balls of your feet with your head tucked and hands over your ears—only if no shelter is available.

Myth: Metal attracts lightning.
Fact: Lightning is attracted to the tallest object in the area, not specifically to metal. However, metal is an excellent conductor, so avoid carrying or touching items like golf clubs, umbrellas, or fishing rods, and keep pets away from metal collars or fences.

Myth: You’re fully protected from lightning indoors.
Fact: Indoors is safer, but not risk-free. Lightning can travel through wiring, plumbing, and structural materials. Avoid using corded phones or appliances, stay away from windows and doors, and don’t take showers, baths, or wash dishes during a storm.

Caught Outside? Here’s What to Do

Your best defense is to be prepared before scheduling outdoor activities by checking your weather forecast, and make sure you have a reliable weather app on your phone or a weather radio. However, thunderstorms can and do pop up unexpectedly, so even that is not a foolproof plan. When you get to your destination, scan the area for a suitable shelter that is not too far away (this can also be your vehicle). The safest place during a thunderstorm is inside a sturdy building or a hard-topped metal vehicle – not a soft-top or convertible.

If you’re outside with no immediate access to shelter, your goal is to minimize risk:

• On a golf course: Leave your clubs behind and seek shelter. Avoid trees, hilltops, and open fairways. Also, your golf cart will not protect you.
• While jogging or biking: Stop and seek shelter, preferably in a building or car. Avoid open fields and metal objects.
• At the beach or in the water: Get out of the water immediately and find shelter. Water is a strong conductor of electricity. If you’re out on a boat or other watercraft, head to shore immediately. In an emergency, boats with cabins will offer some protection, but you should still head to shore if possible.

Open structures like porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and picnic shelters do not offer protection from lightning.

Also, if you are in a group, move away from each other. If lightning does strike near you, this can minimize the number of injuries.

Final Thoughts

Lightning is as unpredictable as it is magnificent, but it’s important to keep this in mind to reduce your risk greatly: When thunder roars, go indoors. Then, stay there at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. A better understanding of thunderstorms and the lightning they bring, combined with a safety plan (complete with an evacuation kit in case a lightning strike causes a fire), can help you better protect yourself and your family when storms roll in this summer.