Is It Safe to Use Your Phone During a Thunderstorm? The Answer May Surprise You.

Is it safe to use your mobile phone during a storm?

Thunderstorms bring with them a host of dangers, one of the most significant being lightning strikes accompanied by heavy rainfall. While many believe that only those outdoors are at risk of being struck by lightning, there have been rare recorded instances of individuals being injured or even killed by lightning while indoors.

For example, a man in the United States was killed in his home during a storm in 2017. Investigations revealed that lightning had traveled through the metal structures of the house and into the metal tools the man was using, causing his death.

When it comes to phone use, it is commonly believed that using a landline phone during a storm is unsafe. This is accurate, as lightning can travel through phone lines connected to the outside. But what about mobile phones? Are they any safer?

According to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Weather Service in the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that mobile phones attract lightning. Even if you are carrying a mobile phone and are struck by lightning, the device may be affected by the heat generated, but it is not the primary cause of the strike.

Jensenius emphasizes that no device “attracts” lightning, but it often travels along power lines, fences, or similar structures. Therefore, using a mobile phone does not increase your risk of being struck by lightning. The most important factor is ensuring you are in a safe location, regardless of whether you are using a phone or not.

Dan Kottlowski, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, agrees that taking shelter is the most critical aspect. If you are near transmission towers, your risk of being struck by lightning increases. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid open areas and seek shelter in a car or building, staying away from metal structures or plugged-in electronic devices.

Jensenius warns that any device plugged into an electrical outlet is hazardous during a storm, including mobile phones or laptops that are charging. So, if you are using your mobile phone during a storm, ensure it is not plugged into a charger.

Can storms damage electronic devices?

During storms, we often hear the advice to unplug electronic devices to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes. But is this necessary?

When lightning strikes a power pole close by, it can create a power surge, causing a sudden increase in voltage on electrical lines. This voltage can reach millions of volts, far exceeding the capacity of household electronic devices, leading to potential damage or fire hazards.

However, it is important to note that unplugging devices during a lightning strike can be dangerous, as you may be shocked by the sudden surge in electricity. Therefore, the best practice is to unplug devices before the storm reaches your area.

In conclusion, using your mobile phone during a storm is not a significant concern, as long as you are not outdoors or near conductive objects. The priority should always be seeking safe shelter and avoiding high-risk areas, such as standing under trees, near power poles, or using plugged-in electronic devices.