ORLANDO, Fla. – Lightning is something we take seriously in Central Florida.
A lightning strike travels at the speed of 270,000 mph, and with the average number of thunderstorm days in our area ranging from 70-100, that’s a big hazard seen all too often.
Lightning safety has come a long way since the Lightning Safety Awareness campaign began 22 years ago.
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The National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC) annual report revealed that 2023 saw the second-lowest number of U.S. lightning fatalities.
Of the thirteen deaths reported last year, Florida led the nation with four, followed by Texas with two fatalities. The only year with fewer deaths was 2021 where 11 people died. Overall, 2023 was well below the 10-year average of 22 lightning fatalities.
The Lightning Safety Awareness campaign was initiated by members of the National Lightning Safety Council and the National Weather Service to promote lightning safety in hopes of reduce lightning deaths and injuries associated with lightning which oftentimes leave long term impacts on a person’s health.
This campaign has been successful and continues to hopefully bring those numbers even lower. One death is too many.
A new interactive map the NLSC has made available on its website shows each state and the number of lightning deaths since 2006. Florida had the most with 88 while only five states — Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Washington — have not recorded a lightning death during that time frame.
By clicking on the number inside the state on the map, visitors of the website are then brought to a list of each fatality starting with the most recent. The list provides information, such as the state, city, age, sex and name of the victim as well as the date, location and what the person was doing when they were struck.
Lightning Safety Awareness week runs the third week of June every year. This year, the campaign will begin on June 16.
NOAA reports that lightning in the United States has killed more people than any other weather factor. The majority of lightning casualties happen in the summer months when more people are outside enjoying the warmth.
The downward trend in lightning fatalities is attributed to the increased awareness of the phenomenon. This result has been the main goal of the members who started the Lightning Safety Awareness campaign, providing the public with vital lighting information as well as tips on staying safe when planning events or activities outdoors during stormy months.
Additionally, Florida has its own Severe Weather Awareness Week observed each year by the NWS and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
This week is designed to increase awareness of and preparedness for severe weather hazards. This year, that week kicks off Feb. 5 through Feb. 9. The first hazard addressed is, you guessed it, lightning.
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