Lightning is a major cause of storm related deaths in the U.S. A lightning strike can result in a cardiac arrest (heart stopping) at the time of the injury, although some victims may appear to have a delayed death a few days later if they are resuscitated but have suffered irreversible brain damage.
According to the NWS Storm Data, over the last 30 years (1988-2017) the U.S. has averaged 45 reported lightning fatalities per year. Only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning are killed, leaving 90% with various degrees of disability. More recently, in the last 10 years (2007-2017), the U.S. has averaged 28 lightning fatalities. (Source: NOAA/NWS)
The purpose of Lightning Safety Awareness Week is to educate and raise awareness about the hazards of lightning in order to lower the number of deaths and injuries caused by lightning strikes.Remember, lightning makes every single thunderstorm a potential killer, whether the storm produces one single bolt or ten thousand bolts.
Please take a moment and review the below websites concerning lightning and its dangers. Be aware. “When the thunder roars, don’t go outdoors”
https://www.weather.gov/iln/lightningsafetyweek
https://www.earthnetworks.com/blog/lightning-safety-awareness-week/
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-scienceintro