Taking a shower during a thunderstorm is not recommended. While direct lightning strikes in a shower are rare, electrical energy from lightning can travel through a home’s plumbing system, posing a hazard.
The Nature of Lightning
Lightning is a powerful discharge of electricity that occurs during thunderstorms. It originates from the separation of electrical charges within storm clouds, or between clouds and the ground. This electrical energy seeks the path of least resistance to neutralize the charge difference, often striking the tallest objects or the ground itself. A single lightning strike can carry tens of thousands of amperes and millions of volts.
When lightning strikes a building directly or the ground nearby, this electrical current can disperse. The energy can then travel through conductive materials within the structure. This includes electrical wiring and other interconnected systems. Lightning seeks a conductive path to the ground, and a house provides several such pathways.
Water and Electrical Conduction
Showering during a thunderstorm is specifically risky because water, especially tap water, can conduct electricity. While pure distilled water is a poor conductor, the tap water in homes contains dissolved minerals and impurities, such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium, which enable it to conduct an electrical current. Plumbing systems, often made of metal pipes, provide a direct pathway for electricity. If lightning strikes a house or the ground nearby, the electrical surge can travel through these metal pipes.
The combination of conductive tap water and metal plumbing creates a potential hazard. An electrical charge from a lightning strike can travel through the ground, enter the plumbing system, and then move through the water itself. This means that someone in contact with running water or metal fixtures connected to the plumbing could be exposed to an electrical shock. Even homes with plastic pipes are not entirely safe, as water inside the pipes can still conduct electricity.
Showering Safely During Storms
To minimize the risk of electrocution during a thunderstorm, it is advisable to avoid all water-related activities, including showering or bathing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying away from all water during a thunderstorm. This includes refraining from washing dishes or hands, as lightning can travel through the plumbing system.
Beyond avoiding water, other indoor precautions are important. Stay off corded phones and avoid using anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment. Staying away from windows and doors is a good practice. Also, avoid lying down on concrete floors or leaning against concrete walls, as lightning can travel through these.