Good News: Another Slow Start for U.S. Lightning Deaths So Far in 2018

news image
Top Stories
7 May 2018 3:20 PM
Slow starts usually have a negative connotation to them. In this case, it's really good news. So far in 2018, there have only been two deaths attributed to lightning nationwide, a lower figure than usual for this point in the year. With more than a third of the year passed by, two lightning deaths, one in Florida and another in Texas, have been reported so far. This is coming off the lowest year for U.S. lightning deaths on record. In 2017, only 16 Americans died from lightning strikes, far lower than the roughly 40-50 person annual modern-day average. Last year also got off to a slow start to lightning deaths, with only two through the end of June. There may be some links to a slower-than-average start to the severe weather season. Storms have been suppressed somewhat by a cool later winter and early spring pattern across the eastern half of the U.S., where the wide majority of thunderstorms occur. Overall severe weather and tornado counts are down so far in 2018 compared to seasonable averages. That said, the peak months for thunderstorms are during the summer, so this number may increase significantly - though we certainly hope it stays low. Remember, if you can hear thunder, that means you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Seek shelter as soon as you hear the thunder, and let's collectively do our part to keep this number low. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on this. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Chris Bianchi
All Weather News
More
Rafael Fuels Lingering Flood Risk in the South

Rafael Fuels Lingering Flood Risk in the South

Widespread flash flooding developed in Louisi

10 Nov 2024 7:00 PM
Rafael Continues to Spin in the Gulf

Rafael Continues to Spin in the Gulf

Hurricane Rafael made landfall as a Category

10 Nov 2024 6:55 PM
Atmospheric River Setup to Begin in Northwest

Atmospheric River Setup to Begin in Northwest

A parade of systems will keep the Northwest a

10 Nov 2024 6:25 PM
Historic November Snow Storm Ends in the Rockies

Historic November Snow Storm Ends in the Rockies

COLORADO— The record-breaking snowstorm event

10 Nov 2024 9:00 AM
Severe Storms in Texas Continue Friday

Severe Storms in Texas Continue Friday

The threat of severe weather continues this F

9 Nov 2024 2:50 AM
Dangerous Santa Ana Winds Prompt Mandatory Evacuations

Dangerous Santa Ana Winds Prompt Mandatory Evacuations

VENTURA COUNTY, CA - The Mountain Fire has be

8 Nov 2024 5:30 PM
Record Warm Election Day in the Northeast

Record Warm Election Day in the Northeast

NORTHEAST - It's been a warm stretch of weath

6 Nov 2024 2:20 AM