Pacific Storms Continue to Impact the Western U.S.; Severe Thunderstorms Forecast Saturday in the South

A series of Pacific storm systems will continue to impact the western U.S. into this weekend with periods of strong to damaging winds, high surf, heavy lower elevation rain, and heavy mountain snow. Severe thunderstorms are expected Saturday from north-central Louisiana to west-central Alabama. Damaging winds, large hail, and strong tornadoes will be possible. Read More >

Lightning Intro
Did you Know
Lightning Safety
Myths vs. Facts

Lightning, on average, causes 93 deaths and 300 injuries each year. In Texas alone, 34 people have been killed by lightning during the last nine County Area Map Showing Lightning Injuries and Deaths years. 184 injuries and nearly 23 million dollars (est.) in damages can also be attributed to Texas lightning since the beginning of 1995.

So if lightning causes so much death and destruction, why is it called the underrated killer?
Because often we fail to follow safety precautions, especially when we are caught outdoors, where most lightning deaths and injuries occur. Did you know that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning?

Protect yourself and others from the underrated killer by reading more of our did-you-knows, myths versus facts, and lightning safety tips.

Texas Lightning Stats from Jan 1, 1999 through Mar 31, 2000

Texas Lightning Stats
Year	Killed	Injured	Damage
2004	3	58	.74M
2003	4	5	3.6M
2002	2	5	.97M
2001	1	6	1.4M
2000	5	19	.20M
1999	3	11	2.5M
1998	2	11	.88M
1997	3	34	6.4M
1996	6	7	4.4M
1995	5	28	1.7M

How To Estimate Lightning Distance
(miles from strike)

5 Second Rule Picture Count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder, then divide by 5.

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Pacific Storms Continue to Impact the Western U.S.; Severe Thunderstorms Forecast Saturday in the South

NWS Ft. Worth