No, it is not safe to walk in the rain during lightning.
Walking in the rain during a thunderstorm puts you at significant risk of being struck by lightning. Lightning can strike the ground, trees, or even directly hit a person. Water conducts electricity, so being wet increases the risk of electrocution.
Why Walking in the Rain During Lightning is Dangerous
- Increased Conductivity: Rain makes you and your surroundings more conductive to electricity, increasing the likelihood of a lightning strike reaching you.
- Ground Strikes: Lightning frequently strikes the ground, and if you're nearby, the electricity can travel through the ground and into your body.
- Direct Strikes: While less common, lightning can directly strike a person, which is often fatal.
- Side Flashes: Lightning can strike a nearby object, like a tree, and then "flash" or jump to a person standing close by.
Lightning Safety Rules
The best way to stay safe during a thunderstorm is to:
- Seek Shelter Immediately: Go indoors to a sturdy building or get inside a hard-topped vehicle.
- "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors": This is the golden rule. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
- Stay Inside Until 30 Minutes After the Last Thunder: Lightning can still strike even after the rain has stopped.
- Avoid Water: Stay away from bodies of water, as they are excellent conductors of electricity.
- Avoid Metal Objects: Stay away from metal objects like fences, flagpoles, and machinery.
Finding Safe Shelter
- Buildings: A substantial building with plumbing and wiring offers the best protection.
- Vehicles: A hard-topped vehicle is also a good option. Make sure the windows are closed, and avoid touching any metal parts of the car.
What to Do If You Can't Find Shelter
If you are caught outside and cannot reach safe shelter:
- Avoid high ground and open areas.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects.
- If you are in a group, spread out.
- Crouch low to the ground on the balls of your feet, with your head tucked and hands over your ears. Make yourself the smallest target possible. This position will not eliminate the risk, but it may reduce your chances of being struck.
Remember, lightning is a serious threat. Taking precautions during a thunderstorm can save your life.
