National Lightning Prevention Week: Tips on recent, bizarre fatal incidents

Chicago, IL – In honor of National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, the National Weather Service is urging citizens to heed the important advice: “When it thunders, go indoors.” This annual day of observance is intended to remind people of the dangers posed by lightning and underscore the need to take precautions. Here, we examine some recent and tragic lightning strikes and draw lessons from them to prevent future tragedies.

On Saturday, two people were hospitalized after lightning struck a tree near a home on a golf course hosting the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship. Three people were standing near the tree at the time, but only two were hospitalized. This incident underscores the importance of seeking immediate shelter during a storm.

Last month, a rancher and 30 cows were killed by lightning in Colorado, the first recorded fatal lightning strike in the continental United States in 2024. The tragic event highlights the deadly effect of lightning on humans and animals.

In another incident this spring, a man in Atlanta, Georgia, was struck by lightning while playing golf with friends. Golf courses, with their open spaces and tall trees, are particularly dangerous during thunderstorms, highlighting the need to avoid outdoor activities during lightning strikes.

Last September, a 16-year-old girl in Florida was fatally struck by lightning while hunting with her father. This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder that lightning can strike unexpectedly, making it essential to seek appropriate shelter.

According to the CDC, the chance of being struck by lightning in a given year is less than one in a million, and nearly 90% of lightning strike victims survive. Despite this probability, awareness and preparation are essential to effectively mitigate risks.

By knowing the risks and following recommended safety measures, we can reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by lightning. National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is an important reminder that when thunder strikes, it’s time to get indoors.