Death toll from lightning strikes rises just before the busiest season

Orlando – The National Lightning Safety Council has announced another lightning death, bringing the death toll this year to three.

The 59-year-old Manchester man was walking to J Street Beach in Seaside Park, New Jersey, on Sunday to warn others about the approaching storm when he was fatally struck, according to police reports. This is the third confirmed lightning death in the U.S. this year.

Previously, in May, a 51-year-old man in Colorado was branding livestock when he was fatally struck. The first lightning death reported this year was a 73-year-old man in Tallahassee, Florida, who died in March after being struck by lightning while walking in a park. This is the first reported lightning death of 2024 in Florida, but the season has only just begun. This loss of life is a stark reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous lightning can be.

To put the number of lightning deaths in perspective, over the last decade there have been an average of six lightning deaths this time of year.

Florida unfortunately leads the nation in the number of lightning deaths, with 89 deaths recorded there since 2006. National Lightning Safety Awareness Week has begun and runs through June 29. It is important to raise awareness of this often underestimated threat.

We are in the peak of lightning season, when thunderstorms are becoming more frequent and intense. With that comes an increased risk of lightning strikes, especially when more people are enjoying the summer weather outdoors.

It’s a good time for everyone to brush up on their lightning safety knowledge. Check out these 12 activities that contributed the most to lightning deaths in the United States between 2006 and 2023.

Since its inception in 2001, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week has been instrumental in reducing lightning deaths in the United States. Initially, about 55 people died from lightning strikes each year, but today that number has dropped to about 20. This decline is largely due to increased awareness and the safety precautions people take during thunderstorms.

Throughout this week, the National Lightning Safety Council will be sharing tips and information on how to stay safe during thunderstorms. Whether you’re inside or outside, knowing the dangers of lightning and knowing what to do can save lives. Click here to visit and learn more about the topics below.

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