Understanding the Dangers of Lightning Strikes
Summer storms bring a heightened risk of lightning strikes across the United States, posing a significant threat to safety. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning kills an average of 20 to 30 people each year in the US, with hundreds more injured. Recent data from the National Lightning Safety Council indicates that at least 12 individuals have lost their lives to lightning strikes in 2025 alone, underscoring the urgency of awareness as thunderstorms become more frequent and severe with global warming.
The unpredictability of lightning makes it a unique hazard, often striking outside the core of a storm. It's the first danger to arrive and the last to leave during a thunderstorm, as noted by NOAA. This reality has been tragically highlighted by recent events, such as two fatal lightning strikes in New Jersey over the past few weeks, which also brought deadly flooding and power outages to the region.
Essential Safety Tips for Thunderstorm Season
When a thunderstorm threatens, the safest place to be is indoors, ideally in a substantial building with plumbing and electrical wiring, such as homes, schools, or shopping centers. NOAA emphasizes the importance of the phrase 'When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!' as a critical reminder to seek shelter immediately upon hearing thunder. If you're inside, avoid using corded phones, electrical equipment, or plumbing like sinks and faucets, and stay away from windows, doors, and concrete floors or walls that could conduct electricity.
If caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, certain actions can reduce your risk. NOAA advises getting off elevated areas like hills or ridges, avoiding open fields, and not seeking refuge under trees, which can attract lightning. Lowering your height by crouching down can help minimize exposure, though it doesn't guarantee safety. Additionally, staying in shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is crucial, as lightning can strike even after a storm appears to have passed.
Recent posts on social media platforms have echoed these guidelines, with organizations like the United States Lifesaving Association reinforcing the need to stop all outdoor activities and seek enclosed shelter during thunder. Meteorologist Brandon Lashbrook from WFXR in Salem, Virginia, has also stressed the simplicity and importance of getting inside as soon as thunder is heard, noting that 10 people have died from lightning strikes in the US since the start of 2025.
Debunking Myths and Raising Awareness
Many myths surround lightning safety, often leading to dangerous decisions during storms. One common misconception is that hiding under a tree provides protection; in reality, trees can act as conductors for lightning, making them extremely hazardous during a thunderstorm. NOAA's Lightning Safety Awareness Week aims to dispel such myths and educate the public on factual safety measures to prevent unnecessary tragedies.
The increasing frequency of severe thunderstorms due to climate change adds another layer of urgency to this issue. As global warming creates more favorable conditions for intense weather events, the potential for lightning-related incidents grows. Staying informed through reliable sources like the National Weather Service and local meteorologists can make a critical difference in personal safety during the summer storm season.