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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Charlotte Hawes

Should you drive in thunder and lightning? Safety tips in a thunderstorm

The Met Office has now issued amber and yellow weather warnings for the majority of the UK this week, following weeks of scorching weather in the height of British summer.

Thunderstorms are expected between today (August 15) and Wednesday (August 17) in parts of the country.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “The warnings highlight the chance of some places seeing around 50mm of rain falling in a three-hour period in the north, with some areas further south possibly seeing around 30mm of rain in a three-hour period.

"Hail and frequent lightning are also possible as part of these downpours and represents an additional hazard.”

As the storms are on their way, it is important to know the dos and don'ts when it comes to thunderstorms, including whether it is safe to drive.

Here's everything you need to know.

Should you drive in thunder and lightning?

It is not safe to drive during a thunderstorm or lightning (Getty Images/Maskot)

Thunderstorms can make driving conditions difficult and generally, it is not safe to drive during thunder and lightning.

Storms can pose a risk of heavy rain and sudden gusts of wind, with those driving high-sided vehicles or those on motorbikes or bicycles most at risk as possible flooded roads or streets filled with debris can put travellers in danger.

However, the Met Office states that if an individual is caught out in thunder and lightning, it is best to stay in your vehicle with the windows up or in a safe place.

It is important to keep your speed down, use windscreen wipers to block out heavy rain, and give other cars space when on the roads during a storm.

In extreme weather conditions, it is recommended that drivers pull into a safe spot on the side of the road, turn on their hazard lights and turn off their engine while they wait out the bad weather.

Should I stay in my car when there is a storm?

You should stay inside your car during a storm (PA)

Some people believe that is safer to stay in a vehicle while there is a storm due to its rubber tyres.

However, this is a myth as you are actually safer in your vehicle due to the fact that the lightning will travel throughout the body of the car before going into the ground.

What happens if a car is struck by lightning?

Yellow and amber weather warnings have been issued for parts of the UK following the August heatwave (Getty Images)

A majority of cars are made with a metal roof and frame, which acts as a conductive Faraday cage that shields the inside of the vehicle when hit by a high, potential discharge, such as lightning.

Although, if your vehicle is struck by lightning it can still be damaged both internally and externally.

What to do if your car is struck by lightning

If your car has been struck by lightning, it is important to not touch any metal objects that are inside the vehicle, like the gearstick or door handles.

Once the current has travelled through the body of the car and into the ground, it should be safe to exit the car.

If the storm continues, it is best to stay inside the car to ensure that you are safe and make sure to not touch any metal objects inside the vehicle.

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