The dryness of the atmosphere, a consequence of the high temperatures and the absence of rain for a long time, results in this phenomenon. Lightning is an electrical discharge of highly charged static electricity that builds up in clouds, overcoming the natural resistance of the atmosphere.
When lightning strikes the ground, called lightning, the electrical voltage developed ranges from 10 to 125 million volts, with a load of 1,000 to 300,000 amps. Not something we want to be hit on, unless we’re AC/DC:
The thing about nature is that we don’t choose how, when and where it will manifest its effects, so although it is statistically rare, yes, it is possible for a car to be struck by lightning, whether in motion or stationary. What happens in this case is somewhat chaotic and cannot be accurately predicted.
A part or all of the electrical circuit can be “baked” depending on how well it is insulated, significant material damage will certainly occur at the point where the lightning strikes, but the important thing is that the occupants, in the vast majority of cases, will not they suffer absolutely nothing, apart from the urgent need for a change of underwear.
The reason is that by design and by nature, the body and chassis enclose the occupants in a metal cage. This “encapsulation” in metal is a saving grace, with the exterior parts of the car acting as a “Faraday cage”.
A Faraday cage is any structure that acts as a “shield” of protection from electromagnetic fields for the interior it encloses. The metals of the car in this case, are conductive materials and are the ones through which the huge electrical charge of a lightning bolt passes in the event that a car is struck.
Passengers, being in contact with non-conductive materials such as seats and floor mats, do not receive an electrical discharge, the current “seeks” the easiest passage to its destination, which is none other than the ground. The question is of course whether the tires of a car are conductive materials and the answer is no, under no circumstances.
However, being the only points of contact of the car with the ground and given the power of the effect, the result is that the lightning passes through them… skewer. In fact, in many cases of a car being struck by lightning, it has been observed that the tires cannot withstand the electrical and thermal load and burst. Small harm compared to us running away anyway.
So generally speaking, you are protected inside the car if you find yourself in situations with a lot of lightning, and in fact, it is the “shelter” you should seek if a storm catches you outside, exposed.
The best thing to do is to get inside and avoid contact with metal parts of the car.
If, of course, there is a forecast for the occurrence of extreme phenomena, we simply avoid driving, unless it is absolutely necessary, and in this case, we plan our route in such a way that we do not find ourselves in the… chaos.
In addition to a car, the general guidelines for protection from lightning are these, as listed by meteorologist Theodoros Kolidas:
️BASIC LIGHTNING PROTECTION MEASURES
✅What should we do when lightning strikes and we are at home
Do not hold electrical appliances or the telephone as lightning can pass through the wires. Unplug the TV sets from the antenna and power supply… pic.twitter.com/jBvVNDyNGh— Theodoros Kolydas (@KolydasT) August 20, 2024
Source: Autotypos.gr
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