National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Lightning Safety Awareness Week 

June 16-22, 2024

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! 

 

Lightning over northwest Macon County, 7/23/2016.  Photo by Paul Hadfield.
                                                                 
Lightning near Rushville, 5/22/2019. Photo by Paul Hadfield.

 

Lightning Safety

  • There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 of which occur in Illinois alone. 

  • Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous – it is the underrated killer.

  • Each year in the United States, more than 1,000 people are struck by lightning.

  • The 10-year average was around 55 fatalities each year when Lightning Safety Awareness Week began in 2001. The 10-year average has now dropped to around 23 deaths per year. 

  • Visit the NWS Lightning Safety Awareness web page for more information

 

  When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning

 

Lightning Messages (Click on images below for a larger graphic)

 

            

Lightning and outdoor sports       Safe Fishing

 

Lightning types                                

 

 

 

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