Will planes take off in lightning storms?

It can be dangerous to fly near a thunderstorm due to wind shear, severe turbulence, and the risk of sudden severe rain or hail. read more

A control tower might advise—and should—radioing a plane in position for take off:, “Demented zero zero bravo, radar is showing 3 storm cells producing lightening and heavy rain, two miles off the center line.” [of the runway]. read more

The sky above Chicago in the U.S. is lit up by many bolts of lightning as a storm rage on James Reeves recorded the stunning display of extreme weather from his window seat As the plane ascends and the United staff run through the take-off instructions, the dark and cloudy skyline is lit up by several bursts of lightning. read more

Aircraft are built to cope with a lightning strike, but pilots will often wait for a storm to pass before taking off 'The dangers arising from thunderstorms fall into three areas: wind and turbulence; lightning strikes and hail stones. read more