Lightning is one of the most spectacular phenomena in weather. But it's also dangerous and common, especially in summer.

Over the last 10 years, an average of 19 people in the U.S. have been killed by lightning. However, hundreds more are injured every year, some suffering long-term, often debilitating symptoms.

Knowing how to be aware of the threat, then taking quick action as thunderstorms move in, can keep you safe.

But there are some lingering myths about lightning that can be a source of confusion and could put you in unnecessary danger.

The myths and facts

Myth: Lightning can't strike unless it's raining overhead.

Fact: While most lightning happens within a few miles of a thunderstorm, lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles away from the thunderstorm, even if it's not raining and the sky looks clear overhead. These so-called "bolts from the blue" can certainly catch you off guard.

(MORE: Deadly dozen activities associated with lightning strikes)

Myth: If thunder isn’t loud, I’m still okay to stay outside for awhile.

Fact: If you can hear any thunder, you're in danger of being struck. Move inside a substantial building immediately.

Myth: If I’m outside, going to a picnic shelter is good enough to protect me from lightning.

Fact: Only if that picnic shelter is a completely enclosed, larger building. There is no safe place outdoors from lightning. That includes covered patios, sheds, camping tents and outdoor stadiums. Follow directions from stadium personnel when a lightning delay is issued at an outdoor sporting event or concert venue.

Myth: Your tires protect you from a lightning strike on your vehicle.

Fact: It's not the tires, but if you're in a metal hard-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up, and you don't touch any conductor connecting to the outside of the vehicle or its frame, you're safer. The current of the lightning strike on a metal vehicle would channel around you, an effect known as Faraday's cage.

Myth: I can hide under a tree to stay safe.

Fact: According to NOAA, this is the second leading cause of lightning deaths. Lightning often, but not always, seeks tall, isolated objects.

Myth: If I'm caught out in the open, crouching down will reduce my risk.

Fact: An average cloud-to-ground lightning channel is from 2 to 10 miles long. Crouching down a few feet won't make any difference.

Myth: Lying flat on the ground if caught out in the open will reduce my risk.

Fact: That might be even worse than crouching. Now more of your body is in contact with the ground, and that could increase your risk of ground current if lightning strikes nearby. Speaking of that....

Myth: If you're not directly struck, you can't get hurt.

Fact: According to NOAA, only 3 to 5% of all lightning deaths in the U.S. are from direct strikes. Over 75% of fatalities are from ground current, the energy that travels for some distance along the ground from a strike, or from a side flash when a strike jumps from a taller object to a person nearby. NOAA pointed out that occasional injuries occur as much as 100 feet away from the lightning strike.

Myth: If you touch someone after they're struck, you'll get electrocuted.

Fact: Lightning's charge isn't stored in the body. You should immediately give the victim first aid, including CPR, if you're able to, and call 911.
Myth: Lightning is attracted to metal.

Fact: Metal doesn't "attract" a lightning strike. Tall, isolated objects that are pointed in shape can influence where lightning happens. Trees are often struck, and there's no metal in them. Metal does conduct electricity, though, so stay away from any metal fences, bleachers, etc. in case a nearby strike's ground current passes through them.

(MORE: The everyday things that make you a human lightning rod)

Myth: You're 100% safe inside your home or a substantial building.

Fact: You're safest inside a larger building or home, but you need to avoid contact with anything inside that could conduct electricity in case lightning does strike. That means avoiding contact with electrical appliances, corded phones, TVs, wires, computers, metal doors, windows, even plumbing. So, don't take a shower during a thunderstorm. Lightning strikes can also start house fires, so make sure any smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order.

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Fact: Tall, isolated objects can be hit multiple times in a single thunderstorm, or in a given year. Chicago's Willis Tower and New York's Empire State Building are struck dozens of times each year.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.