Lightning Deaths Down in 2013

By: By Laura Dattaro

Published: January 3,2014

 

 

 

 

Lightning strikes killed 23 people in the United States this year. (Stockbyte)

Lightning strikes killed 23 people in the United States in 2013, fewer than in any other year on record, according to data released yesterday from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The previous low was 26 lightning deaths in 2011.
The majority of deaths, 13 out of the 23, occurred during outdoor recreational activities, with fishing accounting for the most deaths. The victims ages ranged from 8 to 66.
“While we don’t like to see any lightning deaths, the continuing reduction in yearly fatalities is encouraging,” a news release said.

U.S. Lightning Strike Deaths | Create infographics

John Jensenius, NOAA’s national lightning expert, attributed the reduction in deaths over the last 10 to 20 years to awareness efforts from the National Weather Service (a function of NOAA), the media and emergency management and outdoor recreational organizations. He also noted that more sporting events have been canceled or delayed because of lightning.
“That has the effect of making people more aware that lightning is very dangerous and that they do need to get to a safe place any time a thunderstorm is in the area,” Jensenius told weather.com.
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, Jensenius said, meaning that anyone who can hear thunder is in the possible range for a lightning strike and should go inside.
(MORE: Top Five Lightning-Prone States)
An average of 20 million lightning strikes hit the United States every year, Jonathan Erdman, a meteorologist with The Weather Channel, said. For people who spend time outdoors, the chance of being struck is about 1 in 300,000.
"The proliferation of smartphones and weather apps means you don't have to be caught off guard by a thunderstorm," Erdman said. "Simply put, if you can hear thunder, you are in an elevated threat of a lightning strike."
About nine out of 10 people who get struck by lightning survive, Jensenius said, but are often left with lifelong medical issues that can be debilitating, including chronic pain and neurological problems such as issues with memory and cognition.
“Even though you may be a survivor, it still can be a very bad experience, and it can be with you for the rest of your life,” Jensenius said.
In 2012, lightning strikes killed 28 people. Tornadoes were responsible for 70 deaths, and heat was the most deadly weather-related killer, with 155 deaths.