On June 6, 2024, members of the Enlace Latino NC we were returning from a community talk we held in Henderson, in Vance County, North Carolina. Around 9:00 pm while we were traveling on US 1, heading to Raleigh, a burst of lightning, thunder, and heavy rain that impeded our visibility accompanied us on the trip back home. At that moment, we didn't know what we should do: whether to stop the car and seek shelter, park under a bridge or continue. Without knowing if it was appropriate or not, we decided to continue. After the shock, I asked myself: What to do during a thunderstorm and you are driving?
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I asked the GPT Chat and here are some recommendations.
What should I do if there is a thunderstorm and you are driving?
Stay in your vehicle: Your car acts like a Faraday cage, protecting you from lightning. Keep the windows closed and avoid touching any metal inside the car.
Find a safe place to stop: If conditions become too dangerous, find a safe place where you can stop until the storm passes. This can be a gas station, a rest area, or any other safe location. Avoid stopping on the side of the road.
Keep a safe distance: Increase the distance between your car and the vehicle in front to have more reaction time in an emergency.
It is advisable to have an APP on your cell phone that alerts you about severe weather.
The Red Cross Emergency APP is available in Spanish, we tell you how to download it here.
What is a Faraday cage and how does it protect you during a thunderstorm?
A Faraday cage is a container or structure that can block external electric fields. It was invented by scientist Michael Faraday in 1836. The cage is made of conductive material or a metal mesh that redistributes electrical charges around its exterior, preventing them from entering the interior of the cage.
Use car lights: Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility and so other drivers can see you. Avoid high beams as they can be reflected by raindrops.
Check the condition of the car: Before heading out, make sure your tires, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good condition.
Your car like a Faraday cage
During a thunderstorm, your car can act as a Faraday cage due to its metal structure. If lightning strikes the car, the electrical current will flow around the metal body and dissipate into the ground, protecting the people inside the car.
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How your car protects you
- Lightning Deflection: If lightning strikes your car, the metal body will divert electrical current around the outside of the vehicle.
- Interior protection: Inside the car, you will be protected because the electric field does not penetrate the interior of the vehicle.
- Additional security: Keep the windows closed and avoid touching any metal parts of the car, such as the steering wheel or doors, to further reduce the risk of electric shock.
What is a thunderstorm?
A thunderstorm is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by the presence of lightning and thunder. These types of storms form when two or more air masses with different temperatures from each other have thermal interaction. That is, when they exchange energy.
Should you stop under a bridge during a thunderstorm?
Stopping under a bridge may seem like a good idea to protect yourself from rain and lightning, but it can be dangerous for several reasons:
- Traffic congestion: Stopping under a bridge can cause congestion and accidents, as other drivers may not expect to see a vehicle stopped on the road.
- Flood risk: Many areas under bridges are prone to flooding quickly during a storm. Getting caught in a flood can be extremely dangerous.
- Lightning exposure: Although a bridge can offer some protection from rain, it is not necessarily the safest place to avoid lightning strikes. Staying inside your car, away from any metal structures, is generally safer.
>>>All about Severe Weather Alerts in North Carolina here
Thunderstorms in North Carolina
During the summer of 2023, North Carolina experienced approximately 40 to 50 days of thunderstorms. Most of these storms occurred during the warm months of June, July and August.
Of these storms, about 10% were classified as severe, meaning they produced hail with a diameter of at least one inch, winds of 58 miles per hour or stronger, or tornadoes.
Thunderstorms in the state are common in summer due to local weather conditions that favor convection and the formation of storm clouds.
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