Can u really get struck from talking on the phone while it's raining?

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So I call my friend and as soon as he answers his phone he says to me: let me call you back after it stops thundering and lightning! My first response is what? I don't understand what he means so I send him a text message and he tells me he doesn't want to lose his life getting struck by lightning because he is talking on the phone. I think it us rather funny but still wonder whether it can actually occur or not? Any takers?