Thunder and lightning very very frightening
The Met Office has issued a warning to drivers to ‘stay inside vehicles’ for the next three days with extreme weather on the way.
As the circle of weather goes, often treacherous thunderstorms follow on from hot weather, and with the UK experiencing a mini-heatwave, those are exactly the conditions slated for the coming days.
This has led the Met Office to tell drivers to “wind up the windows” in their cars and to remain inside of their vehicle in they are suddenly befallen by an electric storm.
Cars act as Faraday cages, which allows the electricity to pass around whatever is inside and all vehicles are built to withstand the strong shock of electricity.
They stress vehicles are built to sustain direct lightning bolts which will ensure drivers and passengers are safe.
Currently predictions are in place for up to 60mm of rainfall in some parts of the United Kingdom on Wednesday.
Meanwhile more rain is expected on Friday morning potentially meaning a very wet week ahead.
The Met Office said: “If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car.
“This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground.”
Experts from the British Red Cross equally noted the safe shelter a car can provide if out camping or in an exposed area.
The organisation said: “If you hear the rumble of thunder, you should immediately seek shelter.
“Hearing thunder is a warning that you are within striking distance of the storm so head to any enclosed building or a car with a hard-topped metal roof and windows wound up will offer protection.
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“If there’s a thunderstorm warning in place, then make sure to plan your day around it. Don’t plan outdoor events and avoid activities like fishing or golf. If you’re traveling somewhere, delay the journey.”
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) lightning strikes the ground around 300,000 times per year in the UK with 30 to 60 people being struck by a bolt out of the blue annually in Britain
On average, three (5-10%) of these strikes are fatal.
The Met Offices says “being outside in lightning can be very dangerous, avoid harm by staying indoors as much as possible.”
It advised: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter, such as a car.
“Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.”
