Ag August 2025
August 2025 Edition
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Lightning Safety
By Derrick Snyder - National Weather Service Paducah, KY
While the risk for severe thunderstorms that produce tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds is greatest during
the spring across most of the country, the dangers of lightning can occur during all times of the year. Every year,
hundreds of people are seriously injured from lightning strikes. The good news is that lightning deaths have
trended downward in recent years thanks to greater preparedness and education. However, numerous people are
still killed every year. Looking at the statistics for lightning fatalities, the majority of lightning deaths occurred while
people were doing outdoor activities.
The deadliest activity when it comes to lightning strikes is fishing, followed by beach going, boating, camping,
farming/ranching, riding bikes/motorcycles/ATVs, roofing, gathering outside, working construction, walking to a
vehicle, yardwork, and playing soccer or golf. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, remember that
there is no safe place outside from lightning. If a thunderstorm is occurring or nearby, seek shelter inside a sturdy
enclosed structure. A hard-topped vehicle can also provide good shelter.
Keep these things in mind when it comes to lightning safety:
1. Your chances of being struck by lightning depend on how you react when storms are in the area.
2. Remember: "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!" If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be
struck by lightning!
3. The threat of lightning increases as a storm approaches, peaks when it is overhead, and gradually
diminishes as it moves away.
4. Many people wait too long to get to a safe place and then go back outside too soon before the threat is
over. Wait about 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder to return outside.
