UK weather: What you should not do during a thunderstorm

As part of its public warning, the weather service tells Brits what kind of weather and conditions they can expect.

The warnings range from yellow, to amber to red based on the severity according to their potential danger level and impact.

Whether it's for extreme heat in the summer months or for flooding and blizzards in the winter, these warnings are a regular part of our year.

As part of the advice, Brits are often told to prepare for some disruption including difficult driving conditions, possible flooded roads as well as a slight chance of power cuts during storms.

With this in mind, here are five things you should avoid doing to help you prepare and stay safe during the storms.

Avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency

Unless it is an emergency, you should avoid using any corded landline phones in the midst of a thunderstorm.

That being said, it is safe to use your cordless or cellular mobile phones.

Avoid outdoor activities like golf, fishing or sailing

One of the first rules, when a thunderstorm comes, is to seek an enclosed shelter like a house, office or shopping centre.

Therefore, you should avoid or immediately stop activities that take place in open spaces or on water.

Some of these activities include the likes of golf, fishing or boating.

It is also recommended that you immediately leave elevated areas like hills and mountains as well as bodies of water like ponds and lakes.

You should also not seek shelter from isolated trees or cliffs.

The Met Office has told the public to prepare for some disruption including difficult driving conditions, possible flooded roads as well as a slight chance of power cuts. ( Getty Images) (Image: NQ archive)

Avoid windows, doors and concrete

It is recommended that you stay away from windows and doors during a storm.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stressed that you should not lie on a concrete floor or lean on concrete walls during a storm either.

This is due to the fact that lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

Avoid open spaces and structures

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that you avoid open structures as a means of shelter during a thunderstorm.

These structures including porches, gazebos and sports arenas will not protect you from lightning.

It also advises that you stay away from objects that conduct electricity.

Recommended reading

• Met Office: What do yellow, amber and red weather warnings mean?
• What you should (and shouldn't do) in your house during a thunderstorm 

In particular, you should avoid the likes of barbed wire fences, power lines, and windmills.

Avoid using electronics plugged into the wall

You should avoid any non-essential appliances during a thunderstorm.

The reason is, our tech has not been created to withstand this kind of surge in electricity.

You should unplug your TVs, and computers among other appliances to avoid damaging them.