An umbrella can be struck by lightning during a storm. While not common, this possibility arises from how lightning interacts with objects. Understanding these interactions helps assess personal risk when outdoors with an umbrella during electrical activity.
How Umbrellas Can Be Struck
Lightning typically seeks the path of least resistance to the ground, often striking the tallest objects in an area. An open umbrella extends a person’s height, making them temporarily taller than they would be otherwise. This increased elevation can make an individual, and their umbrella, a more prominent point for a lightning strike, especially in open environments where they might be the highest point around.
Many umbrellas also feature metal components in their frames, which are excellent electrical conductors. While metal does not inherently “attract” lightning, its conductive properties mean that if a lightning channel forms nearby, the metal can provide an efficient pathway for the electrical current to travel. Even if the umbrella’s metal parts are minimal, the combination of increased height and conductive materials contributes to the overall risk.
Common Misconceptions About Umbrellas and Lightning
A common misunderstanding is that umbrellas “attract” lightning. Umbrellas do not possess a unique magnetic pull on lightning. Lightning forms from electrical charge differences in the atmosphere, striking the most accessible path to the ground, often tall or isolated objects. An umbrella simply alters a person’s profile, making them a more likely target if a strike is imminent.
Another misconception is that only metal umbrellas pose a danger. While metal increases conductivity, even a non-metal umbrella elevates a person’s height. This elevation alone increases the chance of being struck, as lightning prioritizes height. Being outdoors during a storm is the primary concern, as any object that makes a person taller increases their risk.
Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm
The most effective safety measure during a thunderstorm is to seek secure shelter immediately. A sturdy building with plumbing and electrical wiring or an enclosed metal-topped vehicle with windows rolled up provides the best protection. It is important to remember the phrase, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors,” and to stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
If no secure shelter is available, discard the umbrella to avoid increasing your height and minimizing contact with any conductive materials. In an open area, move to a low-lying spot, but avoid lying flat on the ground, as lightning can cause ground currents that spread across the surface. If you cannot reach shelter, a lightning crouch, where you squat with your feet together, head tucked, and hands over your ears, can minimize your contact with the ground, though it offers limited protection. Avoid isolated tall objects like trees, open fields, and bodies of water.