Lightning Safety Awareness Week 2009 June 21-27 Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena—lightning. In the United States, an average of 62 people are killed each year by lightning. That's more than the annual number of people killed by tornadoes or hurricanes.
Lightning Facts from NOAA
• All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous.
Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.
• Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter.
• You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder.
If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment.
• Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death.
On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects.
• Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind.
Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety!
• Blue Skies and Lightning.
Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds in the sky.
