How to Get Struck by Lightning Melvin Clemmons admits he made some mistakes that led to him getting struck by lightning. For those who want to tempt fate, follow his same path: Don't check area weather reports. Don't travel with a wing-man to watch your back. Ignore dark storm clouds. Be within 10 feet of a lakeshore in the middle of a thunderstorm. Grab a graphite lightning rod, er, fishing pole, and hold on tight.