Vancouver had one CRAZY thunderstorm last night. Thunder, lightning, and heavy rain had many of us looking out the window wondering, “Is this really Vancouver?”. I shared a video of the storm on my Instagram, but I still wasn’t able to fully capture the intensity of the storm. 

Thunderstorms aren’t something we typically experience as frequently as some other parts of Canada, but we’ve been seeing more dramatic storms recently. And after last night’s storm, I started thinking about something I probably should have thought about sooner: Do we actually know what we’re supposed to do when a thunderstorm hits? What if you’re walking down the street? What if you’re driving?What if you’re hiking in the forest? And what about when you’re safely inside your house?

So I put together this easy-to-follow guide because knowing what to do before you need to make a decision can make a big difference.

First rule: If you hear thunder, take it seriously

One of the most important things to remember is: When thunder roars, go indoors.

If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose a risk, even if the sky above you doesn’t look particularly threatening.

Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends getting to a safe shelter as soon as you hear thunder and staying there for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. And don’t rely on the rain as your warning sign. Lightning can occur outside the area where heavy rain is falling.

• If you’re outside on the street

If you’re walking, biking, or simply outside when a thunderstorm starts:

DO:

• Get inside a substantial, enclosed building as quickly as possible.
• If there isn’t a building nearby, get into a fully enclosed metal vehicle if one is available.
• Stay away from tall objects such as trees, poles, and utility lines.
• Avoid open fields and other exposed areas.
• If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, move toward a low-lying area, while being careful about flooding.

DON’T:

• Don’t stand underneath a lone tree for shelter.
• Don’t shelter beside a telephone pole or other tall structure.
• Don’t stand near fences, wires or metal structures.
• Don’t assume you’re safe just because the rain hasn’t reached you yet.
• Don’t lie flat on the ground.

There is actually no truly safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm, which is why getting inside should always be the goal.

And remember: a picnic shelter, gazebo or other open-sided structure isn’t the same as being inside a proper building. These structures do not provide adequate protection from lightning.

• What if you’re driving?

A car can actually be one of the safer places to be during a thunderstorm. If you’re already driving, stay inside the vehicle rather than getting out to seek shelter.

• Slow down and increase your following distance.
• Turn on your headlights if visibility is poor.
• Watch for standing water and flooding.
• Be especially careful around fallen branches and debris.
• If conditions become dangerous, pull over somewhere safe, but stay inside the vehicle.
• Avoid stopping underneath trees.
• Never park somewhere that could become flooded.

A fully enclosed, metal-topped vehicle protects from lightning. Keep the windows closed and avoid touching metal surfaces connected to the outside of the vehicle.

And if you’re tempted to pull over and take a photo of that incredible lightning show… please don’t. Your Instagram story isn’t worth the risk. 

• What if you’re hiking or in the forest?

This is one I think a lot of us in B.C. should pay particular attention to. If you’re hiking and hear thunder, don’t wait for the storm to arrive directly overhead before turning around. Start heading toward a safe shelter immediately.

The big and most important mistake to avoid?

Don’t hide under a tree.

It might seem like the obvious thing to do when the rain starts, but trees are among the things you want to stay away from during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike a tree and then travel or “jump” to someone standing nearby. This is called a side flash.

If you’re caught in the forest and can’t reach a building or vehicle:

• Move away from tall, isolated trees.
• Avoid ridges, hilltops and other exposed high points.
• Stay away from water.
• Move toward a lower area if it is safe to do so.
• Don’t bunch together with other people.
• Keep moving toward safer shelter.

And remember: an outhouse isn’t a safe lightning shelter either. Neither are open picnic shelters. If you’re planning a hike, check the forecast beforehand and have a plan for where you can take shelter if weather conditions change.

• What should you do inside your house?

Getting inside is the right move, but there are still a few things you should do.

During a thunderstorm:

• Stay indoors.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Avoid using corded electrical equipment.
• Avoid contact with plumbing when possible.
• Don’t take a shower or bath during the storm.
• Unplug sensitive electronics before the storm arrives if you have enough warning.

Why avoid plumbing?

Lightning can travel through a building’s wiring and plumbing systems, which is why Canadian safety guidance recommends avoiding contact with electrical equipment and plumbing during a thunderstorm.

And yes… that includes brushing your teeth.

If there’s active lightning and thunder outside, it’s better to wait until the storm passes before brushing your teeth, taking a shower or doing anything that involves direct contact with plumbing.

Last night, as the storm started right at bedtime, I actually waited to brush my teeth after it had passed. Better to be safe than sorry! 

What about your phone?

Your cell phone is generally fine to use when it isn’t connected to a charger or wired equipment. So if you’re sitting safely inside and want to check the weather, send a text or take a look at the lightning map, that’s okay.

In fact, having your phone charged and nearby is a good idea during severe weather, especially if there is a possibility of a power outage. Environment and Climate Change Canada also provides a real-time Canadian lightning map through its weather resources.

• How long should you wait before going back outside?

This is one of the easiest rules to remember:

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Not 5 minutes.

Not “the rain has stopped.”

Not “I can still see some clouds but it looks okay.”

30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. Lightning can still be a threat even after the storm appears to be moving away.

What NOT to do during a thunderstorm REVIEW:

Here’s your quick reminder:

❌ Don’t stand under a tree.
❌ Don’t stay outside to watch the lightning.
❌ Don’t stand in an open field.
❌ Don’t swim or stay near water.
❌ Don’t use corded electrical appliances.
❌ Don’t take a shower or bath.
❌ Don’t stand near fences, poles or wires.
❌ Don’t assume you’re safe because it’s not raining where you are.
❌ Don’t go back outside immediately after the storm appears to pass.

Instead:

✅ Get inside a substantial building.
✅ If you’re driving, stay inside your enclosed vehicle.
✅ Stay away from windows and plumbing.
✅ Keep an eye on weather alerts.
✅ Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back outside.

If you have little ones, you don’t need to explain all the science behind lightning. Teach them one simple phrase: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”  That makes it easy for them to remember what to do whether they’re at the playground, soccer practice, camping, hiking or simply outside playing. And if they’re old enough, teach them to tell an adult immediately when they hear thunder.

The best time to prepare for a thunderstorm is before it arrives.

A few simple things can help:

• Check the weather forecast before outdoor activities.
• Know where the nearest safe shelter is.
• Charge your phones.
• Have flashlights available in case the power goes out.
• Secure loose outdoor furniture and items if strong winds are forecast.
• Bring pets indoors.
• Make sure everyone in your family knows the basic lightning safety rule.
• If you’re hiking or camping, have a plan for getting to shelter.

Last night’s Vancouver storm was a pretty good reminder that even when we’re used to relatively mild West Coast weather, Mother Nature can surprise us. Thunderstorms can be beautiful to watch, but they’re also something to take seriously. So the next time you hear that first big BOOM, don’t stand outside trying to count the seconds between the lightning and thunder.

Get inside. Stay inside. And wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back out.

Because when it comes to lightning, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. ❤️

Save this post and share it with your family and friends, especially anyone who loves hiking, camping or spending time outdoors!

This post is for general safety information and is not a substitute for official emergency instructions. During severe weather, follow alerts and guidance from Environment and Climate Change Canada and local authorities.

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Helpful resources

For current Canadian weather alerts and lightning information, check Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian lightning map.

Sources: Environment and Climate Change Canada and Canadian Red Cross.