Is It Safe to Be in a Car During a Thunderstorm?

[Ribeiro]

It is safe to be in a car during a thunderstorm. The "Faraday Cage" Principle: The car's exterior is primarily made of metal. With the doors and windows closed, the car forms an enclosed space that operates on the same principle as a "Faraday cage." During a thunderstorm, the interior of this space remains unaffected by lightning. Simply put, staying in the car during a thunderstorm is like installing a lightning rod for yourself. During a thunderstorm, a large number of mobile electrons gather on the car's exterior, causing the car's shell to reach a potential similar to that of the lightning. This prevents a potential difference from forming, thereby avoiding any current flow. Precautions During a Thunderstorm: Whether indoors, outdoors, or in a car, it is best to avoid using your phone during a thunderstorm. The instantaneous lightning generates a strong magnetic field, which can interfere with the phone's electromagnetic waves. At best, this may cause signal disruption or damage to the phone; at worst, it could lead to a lightning strike.