According to the Sarasota county Sheriff’s Office a lightning strike killed one person at 2:15pm EDT Sunday afternoon on Siesta Key Beach in Florida. The strike occurred near the 6000 block of Midnight Pass Road amidst Sunday’s storms.
LSR: 5 S Sarasota [Sarasota Co, FL] law enforcement reports LIGHTNING at 02:15 PM EDT (*** 1 fatal *** saraso… https://t.co/8iIIrFs85U
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) June 24, 2018
Following the strike, first responders attempted CPR until the paramedics arrived, but the victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing.
Lightning today at Sarasota… Photo from Matthew Smith pic.twitter.com/mVWEwflp70
— James Spann (@spann) June 24, 2018
A Deadly Year
This latest fatality is the 6th lightning-caused death of the year.
And the 3rd in the state of Florida.
June and July
Historically the months of June and July are the deadliest two when it comes to lightning strikes.
By the Year
Though not the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, lighting is still incredibly dangerous.
Each and every year lightning claims many lives.
So remember, when you hear thunder— you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Even under sunny skies.
When Thunder Roars Go Indoors