May be silly, but...can lightening strike a metal-made garden gazebo?

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Please, no stupid/smart ass remarks! Just answer my question to the best of your knowledge if you can, or move on to another. Like a said, this may be silly, but I'm new to the Midwest from the West Coast and I'm in a complete weather shock that's got me a little apprehensive about purchasing a big/tall gazebo that will be the last piece to make my backyard perfect for entertaining.This structure is made out of metal and it is about 10-12 ft tall, and because the thunderstorms here are unbelievably scary, I'd like to know if there's any way this structure can "attract" that kind of force and be struck by it.. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
 
Yes, it can, especially if it is the highest point in the area, IOW it you put it in a flat, wide open space, it is more likely to be struck. How likely is it? I can't answer that one, but you might, it it will be higher than anything surrounding it, consider having it grounded or installing a lighting rod. Of course, the safest thing is not to be in an ungrounded metal structure in a lightning storm. If you see one approaching, the safest and most sensible thing to do is to go into the house and stay away from the windows.
 
Sure it can. Anything can be struck by lighting. Even people. Though it's not common.

If it's the tallest thing in the area, the chances go way up.

most buildings are equiped with lighting rods, or grounding lines that divert the energy from a lightning strike into the ground, reducing damage to the structure. If there are building near the gazebo that are taller than it- the lightning is much more likely to hit the buildings. It generally strikes the tallest thing in the area (which is why you should NOT go under a tall tree if you're caught in a thunderstorm in the middle of an open field. laying down on the ground is better. Yes, you'll get wet...but you'll be safer).
 
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