Showering during a thunderstorm is dangerous because lightning can travel through plumbing and water, which are good conductors of electricity. If lightning strikes a building or nearby, the electrical current can travel through metal pipes and water, potentially causing electric shock or fatal electrocution to someone showering at the time
. Key points include:
- Lightning can enter plumbing systems, especially metal pipes, and water can conduct electricity, increasing risk during showering or any water-related activity like bathing, washing dishes, or washing hands during a storm
- The risk exists even if your plumbing uses plastic pipes because water itself conducts electricity
- Experts recommend avoiding showering or any contact with plumbing during a thunderstorm and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming such activities
- While the likelihood of being struck by lightning indoors is low, the risk is real and can cause serious injury or death
In summary, it is safest to avoid showering during a thunderstorm to minimize the risk of electric shock from lightning traveling through plumbing and water. Wait until the storm has fully passed and thunder is no longer audible before showering again
