Excerpt from
THE HANDBOOK FOR LIGHTNING STRIKE SURVIVORS

When moisture is present, victims are visibly burned. Oftentimes, a strike will occur before it starts raining, in which case the current travels through the victim’s cardiovascular system. In these occurrences, there may be entry and exit wounds without severe burns.

Because lightning seeks the path of least resistance, the worst place to seek shelter during a thunderstorm is under a tree. If you can’t find adequate shelter, like a house or car, crouch close to the ground, covering your head with your hands, allowing only your feet to touch the ground. You’re less likely to suffer a direct hit, and if the current spreads and travels through your body, it may be less devastating by entering through the feet.

Farm animals tend to gather under trees to avoid the pelting rain. If the tree is struck, the animals fall like dominoes. I’ve never witnessed this event, but I’ve heard accounts from farmers. One man, Jackie Garlad, lost ten cows and three sheep from one strike.