Home
Weather New York
WeatherRadar
RainRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Dos and don'ts during lightning

01:00 PM
July 19, 2022

Thunderstorms & safety
Dos and don'ts during lightning

Thunderstorm safety

As we move through the spring, thunderstorms are in the forecast for parts of the U.S. almost daily. Here is a quick summary of Dos and Don'ts to stay safe during thunderstorms.

When thunderstorms are in the area you should seek protection as quickly as possible.

It is most dangerous during a thunderstorm while in the open water. Even if a lightning strikes 350 feet away, the current is still transmitted through the water and can affect the entire body. Then there is an acute danger to life.

If there is an unexpected thunderstorm in the open field, you should always crouch down and then wait for the thunderstorm with your legs tightly closed. If you spread your legs, a so-called step voltage can occur when lightning strikes in the immediate vicinity. But you can stay weather aware and keep an eye out for lightning on our WeatherRadar.

Certain tall and risky objects should be avoided. These are single trees, groups of trees, or poles. A distance of at least 32 feet is optimal. In the interior of a forest with a consistently high stock of trees, the risk is lower than with individual groups of trees.

A house offers the greatest protection. However, you should avoid contact with all metal lines such as gas, electricity, and telephone lines. Mobile phones may be used. Bathing or showering during a thunderstorm is not safe.

Stay alert, activate severe weather notifications on the Weather&Radar app, and be safe!

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
Heat wave setting records across Europe. London breaks May record. . . Tuesday, May 26, 2026
European heat wave
Tuesday, May 26, 2026

London breaks May record

Heat wave setting records across Europe
Record-breaking heatwave in Europe. Hotter than most of U.S.. . . Thursday, June 25, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026

Hotter than most of U.S.

Record-breaking heatwave in Europe
Longest day of the year is here. Summer solstice. . . Sunday, June 21, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026

Summer solstice

Longest day of the year is here
All weather news
This might also interest you
The dangers of hail. What to know. . . Saturday, June 27, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026

What to know

The dangers of hail
Be prepared for wildfires. By using the app. . . Sunday, June 28, 2026
Wildfires can spark anywhere, anytime. The Weather & Radar app can help you determine your area's risk.
Sunday, June 28, 2026

By using the app

Be prepared for wildfires
Be ready for tropical activity. Tips & tools. . . Saturday, June 27, 2026
Track hurricanes with the WeatherRadar
Saturday, June 27, 2026

Tips & tools

Be ready for tropical activity
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

instagramfacebookthreadslinkList