Unfortunately, August alone has tallied six lightning deaths in the United States. 


What You Need To Know

  • August's six lightning deaths brings the 2022 total to 14 so far

  • Some of the deaths happened when people were under or near a tree

  • Ground current affects a larger area than the strike itself

(NOAA)

It’s been a tragic month for lightning deaths, including a Central Florida woman who was killed by lightning while waiting for her daughter to get off the school bus. Reports say lightning hit a nearby tree. Earlier this month, three people near the White House were killed when lightning struck the tree they were under.

Being under a tree is one of the leading causes of lightning casualties. But why is being under–or even near–a tree so dangerous?

When lightning strikes a tree, the energy travels out along the ground's surface. The ground current affects a larger area and can lead to multiple injuries or deaths.

John Jensenius with the National Lightning Safety Council says the most recent multi-fatality incidents all have one feature in common: trees. 

When it rains, don’t seek shelter under a tree. Find a building or a hard-topped vehicle and don't wait until the last minute to seek shelter. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, even if it’s not raining where you are

Remember: "When thunder roars, go indoors!"

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