Video: Massive Lightning Bolt Zaps The Shit Out Of A Prius

Kate4/14/2022 11:00 PM

From the YouTube channel of storm chaser High Risk Chris:

My friend was struck by lightning on 4-12-2022 in Iowa during a storm chase. I just so happened to be recording in that direction when it happened. His car was immobilized, and it is still being worked on. CRAZY!

People on Twitter pointed out some things I totally missed, like electricity jumping from the rims to the ground, or the impact explosion LOOKING EXACTLY LIKE ELVIS SINGING INTO A MIC:

As for the driver, I'm glad he's ok, but his car is definitely not.

This is probably the stupidest question ever, but only electric cars could get fucked up by lighting like this, right? Like a regular gas-powered car might have damage but it would still run?? You might say, "Well, Kate there's this place called Google where you can find out". But as a lifelong D- science student I know in my heart I still wouldn't understand the answer.

On that note, I'd always heard the myth that your rubber tires are what keep you safe in a car during a lightning storm, and that's addressed in the thread, too:

* If you're reading this on the toilet & have some time you can read more about Faraday Cages & why the driver was protected HERE. And weather.gov has a small PSA on that front:

Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don't lean on doors during a thunderstorm.

I figured you'd be screwed if you got hit by lightning on a motorcycle or in a convertible, but I did not know you should try not to lean against your car doors even when inside the vehicle during a storm. #TheMoreYouKnow

The most important question in all of this - will insurance consider this an 'act of God' and thus leave the driver hanging, or will they actually help him out here??

Whatever the case, if the driver happens to read this I hope he knows I'm rooting for him to get full coverage…