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Electric current is the flow of electric charge, typically carried by moving electrons in a wire. During a lightning storm, electric currents can become extremely strong. Lightning is a natural electrostatic discharge, where large amounts of electric charge flow from clouds to the ground. This discharge can generate a current that is thousands of amperes strong, which is much more powerful than a typical household current. When lightning strikes, the electric current seeks the shortest path to the ground. This phenomenon can happen very quickly, and the path usually goes through conductive materials. Anything that has low resistance to electricity can become part of this path, such as metal, moist soil, or water. The power of an electric current during a lightning strike can cause severe damage to whatever it passes through.

Water on its own is not a great conductor of electricity. However, the presence of impurities greatly increases its conductivity. Water found in nature, such as in puddles, often contains dissolved salts, minerals, and other ions, which can allow it to conduct electricity efficiently. When a nearby lightning strike occurs, the electric current can spread quickly throughout a body of water. This is because the ions present in the water act as charge carriers, allowing electricity to flow easily. Therefore, even a small amount of standing water can pose a serious risk if lightning strikes close by. This is why getting caught in water during a storm can be especially hazardous.

The risk of electric shock arises from the conductivity of the human body, especially when combined with water. The human body is composed largely of water, with dissolved electrolytes that facilitate electrical conduction. Therefore, when you are wet, your body becomes an even better conductor of electricity. If you are standing barefoot in a puddle during a lightning storm, your body can conduct electricity from a lightning strike through its path to the ground. This path of electrical discharge through the body can cause severe injuries, such as burns, heart problems, or even death due to the intensity of the current. That's why it's crucial to avoid standing in water during a lightning storm, as the danger of electric shock is extremely high.