I was chasing with a friend who got struck...I was safely in the car. He had actually set up his tripods underneath power lines, but because it was pitch black, he didn't know. D'oh. He was very lucky as it wasn't a direct hit. He said it was like putting his hands on a strong electric fence, although it was strong enough to burn a hole in his shoe.
This is why it is much easier and safer to photograph
AWAY from the main core of the storm. There are always risks with rogue strikes, but you just need to play it save none the less!