The weather in Missouri can get pretty fierce, and sooner or later you may find yourself driving yoru hybrid Toyota through St Louis in an electrical storm. While you probably already know how to drive in the rain and wind, if there’s enough lightning in the area you may need some extra driving tips. Here’s what to do and what not to do if you find yourself out in this type of storm.

Fortunately, your hybrid Toyota is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm. With the windows up, the metal frame of the car acts as an electrical conduit that will allow the electricity to pass through the frame instead of coming inside the car. You should not, however, attempt to open the door or leave the car while a lightning storm is in progress. The car can help keep you safe, but if you are outside of your car and are the tallest thing on the road, you could be at risk for a lightning strike.

It’s actually pretty safe to drive your hybrid Toyota during an electrical storm if the rest of the weather is cooperating. All too often, however, there will be wind, rain, and even hail during the storm. If any of these grow too heavy, be sure to pull over in a safe place and wait out the elements. It’s better to be a little bit late to your destination than to get into an accident, after all. If the lightning becomes too intense, you should probably just pull over instead of driving through it, as well.

So, the next time you see lightning in the sky, pay attention but keep on driving your hybrid Toyota on those Missouri roads. If lightning is the only issue, you’ll be safe enough in your car, and you can enjoy the show!