ScienceAlert suggests against showering during a thunderstorm. Even though lightning strikes are rare, it’s important to know how they function.

When clouds create a charge opposing the earth, lightning strikes. Because of this, lightning is “attracted” to the earth. The lightning bolt uses the quickest, least-resistive way to descend. It follows “more conductive” routes; metal things are more at danger. In a thunderstorm, it’s best to avoid metal objects (cars, although made of metal, are an exception because they transform into a “Faraday cage” even if it is not to be exclude the risk of fire because lightning passing through the vehicle still creates high levels of heat). When lightning hits often, go home.

Even remaining inside may not be enough, the paper says. Lightning will always take the route of least resistance to the ground if it hits a home. Even the water in the pipes might help the lightning bolt continue its trip. A shower delivers lightning’s favored elements: water and metal (of the pipes). The article describes an ideal electrical route.

The CDC advises avoiding “aquatic” activities during thunderstorms, including washing dishes. CDC warns against swimming and showering because lightning “may propagate via a building’s plumbing system.” Avoid plumbing, and hence metal pipes and flowing water.