Light to moderate snow will continue into Saturday over the Great Lakes, Central Appalachians, and Northeast. This weekend into next week, a series of atmospheric rivers will bring gusty winds, periods of heavy rain, and mountain snow to northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Colder temperatures are in store for the weekend from the Great Lakes to East Coast. Read More >
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Interesting facts, myths, trivia and general information about LIGHTNING. National lightning detection network data in recent years was used to estimate that...
Overall, a rate of 7.7 casualties per million people per 100 million flashes was found for the entire United States. A frequently asked question is "How likely am I to be struck by lightning?" This is a seemingly simple question, but there is no single answer that fits everyone. The average annual per capita strike rate in the United States is around 1 in 600,000. However, this DOES NOT mean your odds of being struck are 1 in 600,000. The odds of being struck vary from person to person, and are determined by a number of different factors. Among the most significant are: 1) Geographical location and climatology Where there is a lot of lightning, there is an increased chance of being struck. The corridor from Tampa Bay, FL to Titusville, FL (a.k.a. "Lightning Alley") receives the most lightning in the United States on an annual basis. Furthermore, more than 90% of the lightning in this area occurs from May through October, between the hours of noon and midnight. During this time of day and year, people in Central Florida who spend a large portion of their lives outdoors (e.g. construction workers, park rangers, golfers, campers etc.) are much more likely to be struck than anytime or anywhere else in the country. On the other hand, thunderstorms are uncommon in the Pacific northwest, and are virtually unheard of during the winter months. People in this region who spend much of their lives indoors (e.g. shopkeepers, librarians, bowlers, billiard players, etc.) might win the lottery before they were struck by lightning. It is simply impossible to assign one single probability to every person. For further insight as to the odds of being struck, go to The Statistical Assessment Service.
Additional Ligthning Facts:
How far away is lightning from you? Use the FLASH to BANG method: 1...When you see the FLASH It is recommended if the thunder arrives within 30 seconds or less from your location, you should seek shelter! Example: If it takes 15 seconds between the time you see a lightning flash and hear the rumble of thunder, then the lightning flash is 3 miles from your location (too close!!)
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