Lightning

Lightning is a weather phase in The Sims 2: Seasons and The Sims 3: Seasons during heavy storms.

The Sims 2: Seasons
Lightning can be distant, nearby, or local. Distant lightning will be marked by thunder, but there may not be a flash. With a nearby strike, there will be a flash, which may be intense, and the thunder may be louder, but the lot will not be affected. With a local strike, a bolt of lightning actually hits something (or someone) on the lot.

If a Sim is outside there is a possibility they will get hit. A Sim who is on the lot as a walkby can be hit, even if they have not been greeted. Lightning can also be attracted to a lightning conductor, like a hot tub or a hot spring. Sims soaking in one of these during a storm will be hit by lightning very frequently. It is also very likely that after getting hit while in the hot tub, the Sim will also be struck by lightning as soon as they step out of the hot tub, resulting in near instant death.

Lightning can also hit trees or other objects placed outside, causing them to catch fire. If a Sim calls the fire department, usually they will give a fine as the fire is generally out by the time they arrive. However, if lightning strikes a combustible object and other combustible objects are nearby, the fire may spread and require a call to the fire department to put it out.

For most Sims, getting hit by lightning is a fear, but for Knowledge Sims, it is often a want.

In Seasons patch, Maxis made the lightning less deadly (it can still kill Sims, however).

Players can buy a lightning rod, the EZ120v Lightning Finial, which is found in the Decorative section of Buy mode. It can be placed on the ground or on a roof, and tends to attract lightning. If a lightning rod is present, lightning may still strike a tree, or a building, or a Sim, but it's more likely to strike the rod.

Lightning can also cause a ghost to appear if there is a gravestone on the lot. The grave will be struck by a blue rod of lightning and the ghost will leave his/her grave, even during daytime hours.

The Sims 3: Seasons
Lightning is present in heavy thunderstorms that commonly occur in spring, summer and occasionally autumn. As in The Sims 2: Seasons, lightning can kill a Sim, however it is extremely rare and will require a Sim to be struck twice. Death by lightning in The Sims 3 is treated as death by electrocution.

Lightning occurs at three different distances:
 * Distant - There will be a flash of light and audible thunder, but a bolt of lightning is never actually seen.
 * Nearby - A visible lightning bolt will strike somewhere in the world, but the player's Sims are not at risk.
 * Local - Lightning will strike on, or very close to the lot where the game is being played. This will pose a risk of being struck to playable Sims and will create a very loud crack of thunder. However, local strikes will only occur if a thunderstorm is very long lasting.

The Sims 2: Seasons

 * If you try to get a Sim hit by lightning to satisfy a want, make sure their needs aren't low or they may die. Alternatively, make sure another Sim they have a good relationship with is around to plead for them.
 * Don't worry if a tree catches fire, it will be put out by the rain. If the tree is not put out before the rain ends, there is still no need to worry, as the "stuck" fire FX should be gone the next time the lot is entered.
 * Flying a kite may attract lightning, even if it's not done in rain or a thunderstorm. Evil kites are much more likely to attract lightning, and may attract it even if Seasons is not installed.
 * Even though water is bad for a Servo, being struck by lightning increases its Power need. It's still not a good idea to let a Servo be struck by lightning.

The Sims 3: Seasons

 * Carrying an umbrella in The Sims 3: Seasons can slightly increase the chance of getting struck.