2013 sets new record low for lightning fatalities

In 2013, a new record was set for the fewest lightning deaths in a year, in the U.S. Only 23 fatalities were directly attributed to lightning in the country. The previous low record was in 2011 with 26 fatalities.

Florida and Arizona led the nation with four fatalities each in 2013, followed by Texas, Illinois, and Kentucky with two each. Nine other states had one fatality each. Details of the 2013 fatalities can be found here.

Of the 23 fatalities, 17 were male and six were female with ages ranging from 8 to 66. Seven fatalities were in the 50 to 59 age category while the age 20 to 29 and 30 to 39 categories each had six fatalities. Thirteen of the 23 victims were enjoying outdoor leisure activities prior to being struck. Fishing topped the list with three fatalities.

Washington had no lightning fatalities in 2013. The last lightning fatality in the state was in 1996. There were two lightning injuries last year, including a motorcyclist who was struck while driving on I-5 near Chehalis on Sept. 5. The other victim was hit on the same day near Shelton.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA – has conducted a lightning safety program since 2001. Thanks to partners in the media, the emergency management community, and various sports and recreational organizations, lightning fatalities and injuries have declined so far this century, when compared to the 20th Century. From 1940 to 2000, the average number of lightning fatalities in the U.S. was 145. In the last 30 years, that average has dropped to 52.

Western Washington averages about 10 thunderstorms per year. Last year was above average including the lightning episodes in early August and again two periods of lightning in September that included the Seahawks/49ers game delayed by lightning.

Washington averages less than one fatality from lightning every five years. Most of those fatalities were the result of people seeking shelter from the rain under a tree and then the tree gets struck by lightning. Of all the seasons during the year, spring is when our air mass tends to be unstable most often. When we have an unstable air mass that results in showers and thunderstorms.

Go indoors if you can. Avoid being near trees or other tall objects that tend to get hit by lightning.

When thunder roars, go indoors. Let’s keep that no fatalities from lightning streak going.