Should I Watch TV During a Thunderstorm?
It is better not to watch TV during a thunderstorm if the TV is plugged into the wall or connected to a cable line. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and TV or internet cables. That means using electronics connected by cords during a storm is not the safest idea.
It’s best to have surge protectors on all your electronic equipment to protect against sudden surges, but those power strips can only handle so much.
The Short Answer
- Do not use plugged-in TVs or electronics during a thunderstorm
- Using a remote control is generally considered safe
- Stay away from cords, outlets, plumbing, and windows during the storm
Why People Used to Turn Off the TV
That old advice came from a real safety concern.
If lightning hits nearby, the surge can travel through your home’s wiring or cable lines. So while just being inside is much safer than being outdoors, touching connected electronics during a thunderstorm is still something experts say to avoid.
And I remember a long time ago, we had a “brown out” which was when power wasn’t quite out, but it also wasn’t full. It ended up wrecking a TV I had, but that was one of the old, tube TVs.
Best Simple Answer
If there is lightning nearby, skip the TV until the storm passes. Being inside is the safe move, but it is still smart to avoid using electronics that are plugged in or connected by cables.
Sources
- National Weather Service: Lightning Indoors
- National Weather Service: Lightning Myths and Facts
- CDC: Lightning Safety Guidelines
- CDC: Lightning FAQs
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