Experts explain why summer is the peak for lightning fatalities
A lightning strike can result in a cardiac arrest and death, and the most lightning strikes occur during warm summer months when people are outside enjoying the weather.
According to the NWS Storm Data, over the last 30 years (1988-2017), the United States has averaged 45 reported lightning fatalities per year. Only about 10 percent of people who are struck by lightning are killed, leaving 90 percent with various degrees of disability.
Lightning dwarfs city lights as a distant thunder storm passes by Dodge City, Kan. Friday, June 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Over the last 10 years (2007-2017), the U.S. has averaged 28 lightning fatalities annually.
"The month of July is the peak month for lightning fatalities in the U.S. Based on the past 10 years, the U.S. averages about 10 fatalities for the month, or about one fatality every three days," Lightning Safety Specialist for the National Weather Service (NWS), John Jensenius said.
Jensenius reported that July is also the peak month for lightning strikes across the U.S.
"This is likely a combination between the number of lightning strikes during the summer months, along with the amount of people outdoors during the summer puts more people in danger," AccuWeather Meterologist Evan Duffey said.
"It is a month when many people are outside enjoying a variety of leisure activities," Jensenius said.
According to Jensenius, about 20 percent of lightning fatalities are related to activities around the home.
Lightning fatality statistics show that people take more chances when they’re closer to home, whether it’s walking to or from a car, doing yard work or simply waiting too long to head inside.
Also, if you're close to your home, that doesn't mean you're any less likely to avoid being struck. The sound of thunder should serve as an immediate reminder to head inside.
"Those outdoor activities put people at risk of being struck any time thunderstorms are in the area. People often wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms are approaching," Jensenius said.
According to Duffey, of those leisure activities, water-related leisure activities account for more than any other activity. It is especially important when out on the water or on the beach to seek shelter during thunderstorms.
"If you can hear thunder, even what seems to be a distant rumble, you are at risk of being struck and need to get inside a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle immediately," Jensenius said.
RELATED:
7 lightning safety tips if you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm
How a single lightning strike can claim many lives
Why Florida ranks highest for lightning fatalities in the US
Lightning kills: Which outdoor activity ranks no. 1 for fatal strikes?
Jensenius recommends waiting 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside.
For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
More Weather News
-
Storm-free weather to aid early holiday travel in much of US, but perhaps not around Christmas
Weather News - December 13, 2018, 11:11:44 AM EST
Large storms and cold air are likely to take a break over much of the nation during much of next week ahead of the Christmas holiday.
-
-
Large-scale eruption of Italy's supervolcano could impact global climate
Weather News - December 13, 2018, 8:40:06 AM EST
The volcanic area west of Naples, Italy, is stirring with early signs of a new caldera cycle for one of the world's most menacing supervolcanoes, according to new research.
-
India: Brewing tropical cyclone may strike Andhra Pradesh later this weekend
Weather News - December 13, 2018, 8:08:04 AM EST
A newly formed depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and threaten parts of eastern India this weekend.
-
Top holiday travel tips to keep your family safe
Weather News
It’s the most hazardous time of the year. Outsmart it with Hum by Verizon -- the all-in-one connected car solution.
-
Train collision leaves at least 9 dead, dozens injured in Turkey
Weather News - December 13, 2018, 11:39:26 AM EST
At least nine people have been killed and dozens more injured after a high-speed train crashed in Turkey's capital of Ankara on Thursday morning.
-
Flooding rain, severe storms to aim for southeastern US, including areas buried under snow
Weather News - December 13, 2018, 11:31:17 AM EST
While the next storm on the way for the eastern United States will be warmer when compared to last weekend's storm, it may create trouble in the South in the form of flooding as rain and thunderstorms beginning late this week.
-
1st-ever coral rearing project aims to help the Great Barrier Reef recover until climate action ensures survival
Weather News - December 12, 2018, 2:13:32 PM EST
The annual coral spawning, one of nature’s most miraculous events, takes place every year around the October or November full moons and world renown scientists are using the event to help save the Great Barrier Reef.
TRENDING NOW
New and emerging threats continue to appear in Arctic as region warms, 2018 Arctic Report Card says
NOAA's annual report card on the Arctic released on Tuesday highlights the new and emerging threats as the Arctic warms and melts.
Read Story
Comet 46P to glow green in weekend sky during close encounter with Earth
This weekend will feature an uncommon scene in the night sky as a comet glides past the Earth.
Read Story
Comments
Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.