"avoid electrical appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers."
I do anyway, on principle. It doesn't have to be raining.
LOL!
I should have read your advice about an hour ago as I just mowed the lawn while hearing some strong thunder in the distance.
I'll live by this safety rule from now on : " avoid any and all appliances if there is thunder anywhere in the Western-Hemisphere".
I do sometimes, but then, no one else picks up the slack...so there I am today, with a vacuum in hand...