"When the weather is too bad to go IFR, go VFR in a helicopter."
Because you can go so low and slow as to literally pick your way along the highway.
Yeah, we do things in training that you wouldn't do otherwise, such as train in heavy winds that you wouldn't normally take passengers in, but you want to be able to handle it if it comes up unexpectedly.
Lightning? Not a problem. When have you heard of lightning striking an aircraft? Lightning is attracted to GROUNDED OBJECTS. An aircraft may be subjected to side-effects if lightning strikes a tower next to the helicopter, but if you stay away from tall trees, etc, you are not in danger of being struck by lightning.