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A-Z-Animals
The One State You’re Most Likely to Get Struck by Lightning – And It’s Not Even Close
By Jennifer Geer,
17 hours ago
NOAA estimates there are around 40,000 thunderstorms on any given day around the world. With those thunderstorms, dangerous lightning can occur. In the U.S., Florida has the most days with thunderstorms due to the warm, moist air coming in from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, the lightning produced by thunderstorms is deadly, causing more fatalities per year than tornadoes.
We reviewed the data to determine the U.S. states with the most lightning fatalities. To compile our list we took data from the National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC)’s list of U.S. Lightning Fatalities from 2006 to 2023. We’ve ranked our list from the least lightning fatalities to the most. Read on for the top 10 states with the most lightning fatalities.
10. New Jersey (tie)
Thunderstorms can occur any time of the year in New Jersey, although they are most common in the summer.
Months with the most thunderstorms: June to August
New Jersey’s most dangerous storms occur during the warm summer months. In 2024, a man trying to warn others on a beach of an incoming storm was tragically struck and killed by lightning.
9. Pennsylvania (tie)
Pennsylvania thunderstorms often produce dangerous lightning.
Thunderstorms in Pennsylvania can be severe with flash flooding, hail, strong winds, and dangerous lightning. Each June in Pennsylvania the National Weather Service offers tips to the public to stay safe during thunderstorms on Pennsylvania Lightning Awareness Week.
8. Missouri
Part of Tornado Alley, Missouri experiences strong storms in the spring and summer.
Missouri is known for its severe weather, especially during the summer months. From spring through summer, thunderstorms can form, producing dangerous lightning, hail, and high winds.
7. Arizona
Monsoon season in Arizona brings higher humidity and thunderstorms.
Months with the most thunderstorms: mid-June to September
Lightning in Arizona typically happens during the monsoon months. Beginning mid-June, monsoon season brings bursts of thunderstorm activity which can include severe storms.
6. Georgia
People outdoors in Georgia are at a higher risk for lightning strikes, especially swimmers, golfers, bikers, and boaters.
Months with the most thunderstorms : May to August
Thunderstorms in Georgia can bring severe flooding, hail, high winds, and lightning. The National Weather Service calls lightning Georgia’s “underrated killer.”
5. North Carolina (tied)
Thunderstorms in North Carolina form most often during the summer when warm and cold fronts develop along the frontal line.
North Carolina can expect severe storms any time of the year, but they happen most often during the summer months. These storms bring torrential downpours, high winds, hail, and lightning strikes.
4. Alabama (tied)
Counties near the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama experience more thunderstorms than the rest of the state.
Alabama’s peak thunderstorm season is during the spring, although severe weather also occurs during the fall. Alabama usually gets about 50 to 80 days with thunderstorms per year, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and lightning.
3. Colorado
Lightning is most likely to strike in Colorado during the summer afternoons and evenings.
Months with the most thunderstorms : May to August
Each year in Colorado, around 500,000 lightning strikes hit the ground. The high altitude of the mountain ranges makes it more susceptible to lightning strikes.
2. Texas
The weather in Texas is known for extremes, including severe thunderstorms.
Months with the most thunderstorms : April to September
Texas usually experiences anywhere from 30 to 60 thunderstorms per year, bringing high winds, hail, heavy rain, and lightning. The further south you go in Texas, the more often severe storms occur.
1. Florida
With 88 lightning fatalities since 2006, Florida is the state with the most lightning fatalities in the U.S.
Months with the most thunderstorms : June to August
Florida is first on the list for lightning fatalities, with 88 occurring between 2006 and 2023. On average, one million flashes of lightning occur in the state each year. Florida is heavily populated, and also a warm weather state with plenty of outdoor activities. Unfortunately, this means more people are at risk of getting caught outside during dangerous storms.
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