I got caught in a lightning storm on a commute a few years back. The sky was slightly overcast when I left my apartment, then a light rain started by the time I was a quarter of the way to work. By the time I reached the halfway point I was in a torrential downpour and the lightning and thunder were simultaneous. The lightning flashes were blinding and I could feel all the hair stand up on my body each time. The only place I could have taken cover was under a tree, and I decided that was a worse option than just riding as fast as possible. I have to say I was truly scared the whole last half of the ride.

I've also witnessed two trees getting blown to bits by lightning strikes. Sure the chances of being hit by lightning are slim, but I don't risk it if I don't have too. I am also amazed by the pedestrians I have seen carrying umbrellas in thunder/lightning storms. I would rather get soaked than carry a metal rod during such a storm.