Storms
Lightning and thunderstorms can happen all year round but are more common during the summer.
Lightning can reach the ground through objects, people and buildings. Wearing metal jewellery or accessories makes little difference. The main factors are tall objects and buildings. With lightning also comes the risk of flash flooding, especially after very hot weather.
When storms are forecasted
- Put garden furniture away and remove loose items from outside the house; these might cause damage if blown around.
- Close all doors and windows, especially large garage doors.
- Try to park vehicles in a garage or away from buildings, trees, walls or fences.
- Close and fasten any storm shutters over windows.
- Surge protectors can help prevent damage to your home appliances during power surges.
- You can keep track of lightning warnings and see if lightning is striking where you are using the Met Office weather forecast.
During a storm
- Stay indoors, close windows and curtains to protect against breaking glass.
- Do not try to repair damage until the high winds have passed.
- If you must go outside, try to only use doors on the sheltered side.
- If you are caught outside in high winds, get back indoors as soon as possible.
- Stay away from the sheltered side of walls and fences – if these fall, they will collapse on this side.
- Avoid walking close to buildings or trees as branches may break and loose objects may fall.
- Stand clear of roads or train tracks, as you could be blown into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Take care if driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads; delay your journey or find alternative routes where possible.
- If you are driving, slow down and be aware of side winds; especially if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle.
- Plan your journeys – there could be flash flooding, downed power lines/trees which this can also affect public transport.
Lightning
Outdoors
- Nowhere outdoors is safe during lightning.
- Lightning can strike miles away from any rain or cloud so find shelter immediately.
- A safe shelter is an enclosed vehicle or a shelter with four walls and a roof.
- When you hear thunder, you are close enough to experience lightning strikes.
- Stay away from barbed wire fences, power lines, or windmills.
- Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. If there is no shelter nearby, or you cannot get to one, crouch down into a ball with your head tucked,
- If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately.
- Cars are generally safe because you are enclosed in a metal roof and frame. If you are already in your car close your windows and doors.
- Cars with fabric roofs and convertibles are less safe because the roof can catch fire if struck by lightning.
- Motorcycles and bicycles are NOT safe during lightning.
Indoors
- Stay off corded phones. Mobile phones and cordless phones should only be used if they are not connected to a plug by a charger.
- Do NOT use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment.
- Stay out of the shower and away from water, including washing dishes.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Do NOT lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
- If someone has been struck by lightning you can touch them and give first aid immediately, you will not be electrocuted.
After a storm
- Do not touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down.
- Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they may have been weakened.
- Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them to arrange repairs.
Thunderstorm asthma
Thunderstorm asthma is when people report having asthma symptoms during thunderstorms.
It is due to a mix of high pollen or fungal spore levels and the thunderstorm.
Strong winds during thunderstorms can pick up pollen and pull it in to clouds. Pollen may then absorb water, swell and burst open, releasing allergens that can be breathed in and may cause asthma attacks.
Thunderstorm asthma can affect people of any age, but you are more likely to be affected if you:
- Have asthma or have had asthma in the past.
- Get hay fever or allergic rhinitis that is triggered by pollens.
Top tips if thunderstorms set off your asthma:
- Keep taking your regular preventer inhaler and carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times.
- Stay indoors before, during and after thunderstorms, and keep the doors and windows closed to stop pollen getting indoors.
Take your usual hay fever treatments such as a nasal spray and/or antihistamines during the pollen season.