map visualization
Share this @internewscast.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Since 2006, almost 500 people have been killed by lightning strikes in the U.S., according to the National Lightning Safety Council.

Only five states have not recorded a lightning death during that time: Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Washington.

Florida holds the highest record for fatal lightning strikes, with 94 deaths reported since 2006. Following Florida, Texas comes in second with 42 deaths, then Colorado with 25, Alabama with 23, and North Carolina with 22.

map visualization

Who is most likely to get killed by lightning?

Since the mid-2000s, there has been a decline in yearly lightning-related fatalities. While more than 40 deaths were recorded nationwide in both 2006 and 2007, there have been fewer than 20 per year since 2020. Men make up 80% of all the lightning fatalities reported since 2006.

chart visualization

The National Lightning Safety Council notes that activities such as fishing, beaching, boating, and camping have been significant contributors to the number of lightning fatalities in the country.

About 21% of all lightning deaths since 2006 have been people in their 20s. More than 80 people in their 30s have been killed by lightning strikes, accounting for 17% of all deaths.

Since 2006, 13 children under the age of 10 have been killed by lightning, including a 6-year-old Texas boy who was struck in Bosque County in May 2023 and a 7-year-old girl in Bryan, Texas, who was killed in June 2024.

chart visualization

When are fatal lightning strikes most common?

Deadly lightning strikes are most common in the summer months. Since 2006, more than 150 fatalities have been reported in July, about a third of all deaths.

More than 100 deaths have been reported in June, along with 91 in August. November is the only month without a single lightning death reported in the U.S.

chart visualization

More than 50 deaths have been reported each day of the week. There is a slight skewing of deaths toward the end of the week, with Saturday being the most common day of deadly strikes. More than 80 deaths have been reported on a Saturday since 2006.

chart visualization

According to the National Lightning Safety Council, your odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are 1 in 1,509,000. The odds of being struck in your lifetime are much shorter, at 1 in 18,864.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump’s CIA Director Suggests Brennan, Comey, and Hillary Clinton Could Be Indicted

(The Hill) – CIA Director John Ratcliffe said he made referrals to…

Lawyer Claims Man Detained by ICE for 6 Months as 'Collateral Arrest'

() A man who’s lived in suburban Chicago for 30 years and…

Trump reveals plans to establish food hubs in Gaza by the US

() President Donald Trump announced Monday the United States will be building…

Criminal Groups Misuse Children’s Visa Program

SAN ANTONIO () Hundreds of gang members and violent criminals exploited a…

The Impact of the US-EU Trade Deal on Business Expenses and Consumer Prices

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula…

US and EU Reach Trade Agreement Implementing 15 Percent Tariffs

(The Hill) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von…

Urgent Appeal from Anti-Cruelty Society After Puppy Theft

CHICAGO A search is underway for a two-month-old puppy named Peter, who…

Trump Threatens Faster Deadline for Russia to Agree to Ceasefire, Warns of Consequences

(The Hill) – President Trump informed reporters of his intention to reduce…

Witness Describes Michigan Walmart Stabbing as ‘Cinematic’ Experience

() A man accused of randomly stabbing 11 shoppers at a Walmart…

Local Savannah Resident Utilizes Cooling Center for Relief

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Amidst the intense heat, a local man in…

Invasive Moth Reaches New State: Other Locations Under Threat

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced the…

Cheyenne to Welcome Large AI Data Center Consuming More Power Than All Wyoming Homes Combined

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – According to the city’s mayor, an upcoming artificial intelligence…