Lightning Strikes and Kills Man on Long Island

news image
Special Stories
20 Aug 2018 11:13 AM
On Saturday, lightning struck a 32-year-old man at Sunken Meadow State Park. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. This death marks the 16th lightning fatality of 2018, matching the 2017 total. According to the 12-year average, approximately 32 people die every year from lightning strikes. This also represents the first lightning fatality in New York since 2016 when four lightning fatalities occurred that August. Before 2016, the last lightning fatality was in 2013 when a 26-year-old man was struck standing under a tree. According to a study done by the National Weather Service, men account for 80% of all lightning fatalities with more than 90% of them occurring during fishing, sports, and work activities. While summer brings sunshine and warmth, it also brings an increased exposure to lightning. Fatalities peak during the summer months with over 70% of them occurring in June, July, or August. Unsurprisingly, outdoor and sporting events make up the majority of lightning deaths. Contrary to popular belief, golf is not the leading contributor. Instead, soccer ranks highest in lightning fatalities. No matter the season, day, or activity, sheltering during thunderstorms is a sure way to avoid lightning. As the National Weather Service says, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”.
All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM