While working at my home office this afternoon and watching some lightning over Lake Murray and then seeing a Lightning Special on The Weather Channel, a BOLT struck me for a blog! Lightning is one of the top causes of weather related deaths each year in the USA.
Lightning IS the underrated storm-related weather hazard! Lightning strikes the ground approximately 25 million times each year in the United States. I'm amazed sometimes when I see lightning or hear thunder at the level of boating activity continuing on the lake. I know last year there was one boater killed by lightning on Lake Murray.
1.) Open areas (including sports fields); 2.) Under trees; 3.) Water related activities (swimming, boating, fishing); 4.) Golfing
Most Dangerous: Month: July; Time of Day: 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.; Day of week: Sundays (more people outdoors); Sex: Male (higher rates of outdoor exposure)
Top 5 Most Dangerous States (NOAA Storm Data 1995-2004)
Absolute (based on deaths): Florida, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Georgia. South Carolina is #9.
Per Capita (based on deaths): Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Florida. South Carolina is #12.
Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2007:
- 98% were outside
- 89% were male
- 30% were males between the ages of 20-25
- 25% were standing under a tree
- 25% occurred on or near the water
Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. South Carolina is high on the list... BE CAREFUL when lightning is around! Remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Safe(r) Places: home, permanent building, automobile
Unsafe places: near metal or water, under trees; on hills, near electrical/electronics equipment
NEW: Mel's South Carolina Lightning Awareness & Safety eBook
COOL Lightning Links:
National Weather Service - Lightning Safety & Awareness
Lightning Safety for You and Your Family
Personal Lightning Safety
StrikeStar - U.S. Lightning Activity Last 60 minutes
Michael Bath's Lightning Photography website
Lightning Strike Densities by State (SC is #5)
2 comments:
While working at my home office this afternoon and watching some lightning over Lake Murray and then seeing a Lightning Special on The Weather Channel, a BOLT struck me for a blog!
I was driving my car today and saw lightning strike a house in Northeast Columbia. It scared me and was a strong reminder how dangerous storms can be. It seems the last few weeks here in Columbia we have been overwhelmed with thunderstorms. On the upside, my lawn sure is green.
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