Do you need to shut down your PC in an electrical storm?

Here is a 188-word summary of the news article: During an electrical storm, it is important to shut down and unplug your personal computer to protect it from potential damage caused by power surges and lightning strikes. While there is only a small chance of a direct lightning strike, the surge of electricity through the power grid can still reach and harm your devices. The average lightning flash contains around 300 million volts and 30,000 amps of electricity, far exceeding the 120 volts and 15 amps of a typical household current. This massive power surge can damage sensitive PC components like the motherboard, RAM, and SSD storage, potentially leading to data loss or the need for costly repairs. Experts recommend unplugging your PC and modem entirely during an electrical storm, as even a powered-off device can still be vulnerable to damage through the cables. Using a power strip with a surge protector provides an additional layer of defense, though it may not be fully effective against the extreme conditions of a lightning storm. Taking these precautions can help safeguard your computer equipment from the dangers of electrical storms.