logo
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
Another Atmospheric River Slams California with Flooding Rain & Mountain Snowfall
Another Atmospheric River Slams California with Flooding Rain & Mountain Snowfall
The California snowpack statewide is over dou
22 Mar 2023 2:35 AM
Avalanches in Colorado Claim the Lives of Two - Avalanche Alerts Continue this Week
Avalanches in Colorado Claim the Lives of Two - Avalanche Alerts Continue this Week
FOUR CORNERS - Fresh snow is leading to unsta
22 Mar 2023 2:30 AM
Energy Prompts Severe Storms in the Plains Before Heavy Rain in the Northeast
Energy Prompts Severe Storms in the Plains Before Heavy Rain in the Northeast
Our next big storm system will sweep across t
22 Mar 2023 2:25 AM
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
An upper-level low-pressure system from the P
22 Mar 2023 2:25 AM
Winter Storm Warnings in the Northern Plains Tonight
Winter Storm Warnings in the Northern Plains Tonight
Winter weather alerts remain in effect for no
22 Mar 2023 2:00 AM
Heavy Rain & Flood Threat for the Ohio Valley Late Week
Heavy Rain & Flood Threat for the Ohio Valley Late Week
In addition to severe storms, heavy rain is e
22 Mar 2023 1:20 AM
Record Cold to Record Heat for the Southeast
Record Cold to Record Heat for the Southeast
Temperatures have been much below average ove
21 Mar 2023 5:55 PM