Latest news with #NationalLightningSafetyCouncil
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Post
Florida beachgoers injured by lightning strike on Fourth of July
An outing on the Fourth of July turned tragic along Florida's Gulf Coast, as first responders reported three people sought medical attention after a lightning strike Friday afternoon. According to the St. Pete Beach Fire Department, the strike occurred just before 12:30 p.m. in the southern portion of Pinellas County. Advertisement Upon arrival, crews said they found two adults and one teenager near an umbrella. Both adults were treated at the scene, but the teenager required further care at a local medical center. Officials did not disclose the identities of the victims or say whether they were local to the area. Showers and thunderstorms were in the forecast, as they are most days across the Sunshine States, with enough moisture and instability for nearly daily pop-up activity. Advertisement Florida is often referred to as the 'lightning capital of the United States,' with millions of bolts detected in the sky each year. According to the State of Florida, the state typically sees between 1-2 million strikes annually, with each bolt carrying millions of volts of electricity. State health officials estimate about 10% of people injured by lightning strikes die as a result of these sudden acts of Mother Nature. An outing on the Fourth of July turned tragic along Florida's Gulf Coast, as first responders reported three people sought medical attention after a lightning strike Friday afternoon. geraldmarella – Advertisement According to NOAA, around 20 people are killed by lightning annually across the nation, with most occurring in warm climate zones. Outdoor events can sometimes end in tragedy, with fishing and beach activities topping the list of deadliest activities, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. According to the National Weather Service, a bolt can travel 10–12 miles outside of a thunderstorm and carry some 300 million volts of electricity. Despite the impressive amount of activity, fatalities from lightning strikes have been steadily declining across the U.S. Advertisement According to the State of Florida, the state typically sees between 1-2 million strikes annually, with each bolt carrying millions of volts of electricity. FOX Weather In 2024, 14 people were killed by lightning, with nearly all engaged in outdoor activities when the thunder roared. So far in 2025, the NLSC reports six fatalities, with all occurring either in the Plains or Southeast. Beachgoers are always urged to remain vigilant as thunderstorms can develop with little warning.
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Man dies after being struck by lightning while on honeymoon in rare phenomenon
Jake Rosencranz, 29, had been on a delayed honeymoon with his wife Leah at the time of the incident, with two other people also struck nearby despite it being a clear, sunny day A man has died after being struck by lightning while on his honeymoon in Florida, despite clear weather at the time of the rare and fatal weather phenomenon. Jake Rosencranz, 29, was standing ankle-deep in the water at New Smyrna Beach, near Daytona Beach, when he was hit by lightning on Friday afternoon, according to Volusia County Beach Safety officials. Emergency responders performed CPR on the scene before rushing him to hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, Jake was pronounced dead the following day. The newlywed, who was visiting from Colorado, had been in Florida to celebrate his wedding with his wife, Leah. Local authorities said the strike occurred suddenly and without warning, on what appeared to be a mostly sunny day. The rare phenomenon has been called a "bolt from the blue", which is a cloud to ground lightning strike that appears to come out of a clear sky, hence the name. Following the incident, the Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said: 'Saying a prayer for this young man and his wife. They were visiting our beaches to celebrate their marriage. In one terrifying second everything changed.' After Jake's death was confirmed, the sheriff added, 'At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come.' Minutes before the lightning struck Jake, two people playing golf nearby were also indirectly affected by a lightning strike, though neither required hospital treatment, the local fire department confirmed. Jake's death marks the fourth lightning-related fatality in the United States this year, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Florida consistently records the highest number of lightning strike deaths in the country, with the National Weather Service citing its frequent thunderstorms and large population as contributing factors. The NWS office in Columbia, South Carolina, had issued a Special Weather Statement about five minutes before the lightning strike warning that a strong thunderstorm was heading for western Lexington County with lightning and gusts to 50mph. Jake's loved ones have since launched a GoFundMe to support his widow Leah "who will be navigating life without her husband and best friend." The fundraiser adds: "During this difficult time, we are looking to financially support Leah as she deals with medical bills and other implications in the wake of the loss of Jake." So far, over $139,000 (£101,000) has been raised.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Lightning injures dozens within days: What to know about Alabama weather and staying safe
After a number of lightning injuries within just five days, lightning safety specialist John Jensenius is pleading with people to bear one simple message in mind. Head to a safe place at the first signs of a developing or approaching storm, said Jensenius, a lightning expert with the National Lightning Safety Council and a retired National Weather Service meteorologist. More than 30 people were injured by lightning strikes across the nation June 20-24, Jensenius said. Based on media reports in many cases, the injured weren't following lightning safety recommendations, he said. Lingering under the beach canopy? Hate to leave the pool? Trying to squeeze in that last inning at the ballpark? When the weather is stormy, it's not worth the risk. 'People often wait far too long to get to a safe place and that puts them in a dangerous and potentially deadly situation,' he said. No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area, and lightning can strike outward 10 miles from a storm, according to the safety council. More: Scorching Alabama temps put pets and wildlife at risk. Here's how to help Alabama is seeing hot and humid weather as well as a risk of storms this week, according to the National Weather Service, with triple-digit heat indices expected Wednesday areawide and much of the area on Thursday. The maximum heat index forecast in Montgomery is 105 Wednesday and 100 Thursday; in Tuscaloosa 106 Wednesday and 103 Thursday; and in Gadsden 106 Wednesday and 102 Thursday. Heat indices drop into the 90s starting Friday for much of the state. Alabama also has a chance of severe storms today from 2-10 p.m. for all but far northwest Central Alabama with the greatest risk generally along and southeast of a line from Anniston to Selma, according to the NWS. The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes, according to NWS severe thunderstorm safety rules. The agency advises to get out of boats and away from bodies of water; if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. In Lexington, South Carolina on June 24, 20 people were injured by a lightning strike at Lake Murray Public Park. Eighteen of the injured, including six adults and 12 children, were taken to nearby hospitals, the local weather service office said. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening. Four lightning-related deaths have been reported in the United States this year, according to the weather service and safety council. One death and at least seven lightning-related injuries have occurred in Florida just since June 21. A restaurant diner was struck on June 23 in Navarre Beach along the state's Panhandle and taken to the hospital. That same day, lightning struck a beach cabana in Holmes Beach, south of Tampa Bay. One of the four people under the cabana was taken to a hospital, and the others declined medical treatment, according to media reports collected by the weather service. On the state's southwest coast on June 21, three people suffered minor injuries after lightning struck a tiki hut on the beach, according to the Marco Island Police Department. In New Smyrna Beach, in east Central Florida, 29-year-old, Jake Rosencranz, of Colorado, died after being struck by lightning on the beach on June 21, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported. Bystanders reported the sun was shining at the beach, but the weather service said storms were likely forming to the west. Two other men were injured that afternoon just about 8 miles inland on a golf course. In Duryea, Pennsylvania on June 22, a 27-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were injured when lightning struck a nearby tree. If you hear any thunder, even a distant rumble, you are likely within striking distance of the storm, Jensenius said. 'Move quickly to a fully enclosed substantial building with plumbing and wiring at the first signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm,' the council advises. Outside safety: Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the lightning risk. Check the latest forecast and cancel or postpone activities if thunderstorms are predicted. Monitor weather conditions via radar or lightning app. Keep a watchful eye on the sky. Listen for thunder. Remain inside the safe place for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside. Inside safety: Anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet is dangerous to touch when a thunderstorm is in the area. Any plumbing (or water coming from the plumbing) is dangerous to touch when a thunderstorm is in the area. If someone is struck: Victims are safe to touch. Call 911 or signal for help. Begin CPR or use a defibrillator (AED), if necessary. Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writes about climate change, violent weather and other news. Reach her at dpulver@ or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lightning injures dozens in days: Safety tips; what to know in Alabama
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Fox News
Lightning strike injures 20 at popular South Carolina vacation getaway
Twenty people were injured on Tuesday afternoon when lightning struck a popular summertime lake destination in Lexington County, South Carolina. According to county officials, eight adults and 12 children were electrocuted when lightning struck Lake Murray at Dominion Beach Park. Twelve of the victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Lexington County Sheriff's Department, along with the county's fire service and EMS, quickly responded to the scene. "Strong relationships with other local agencies played a critical role in ensuring a quick, coordinated response, allowing first responders to assess patients efficiently and provide the best possible care," the county said. Dominion Beach Park is expected to reopen Wednesday after a safety inspection by local authorities. The news of the mass strike comes after a 29-year-old Colorado man was killed in a lightning strike during his honeymoon in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, last Friday. Over the weekend, four Kentucky women vacationing in Marco Island, Florida were also reportedly struck by lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, there have been four fatal lightning strikes in the United States so far in 2025. Those deaths occurred in Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida. There were 12 lightning fatalities in 2024, according to the organization. "While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top storm-related killers in the United States," the awareness group's website says. "In addition, lightning injures many more people than it kills and leaves some survivors with life-long health problems." The organization advises postponing events if there will be lightning in the area, and notes that lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a thunderstorm. "Summertime leisure activities such as fishing, boating, camping, going to the beach, etc. contribute to about two-thirds of the lightning fatalities with the remainder related to work or routine daily activities," the group said. "The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to plan ahead so that you can avoid the lightning threat."
Axios
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Axios
How and where Utahns get struck by lightning
Central Utah is the most lightning-prone part of the state, per weather data firm Vaisala Xweather. Why it matters: Summer thunderstorm season famously sparks wildfires — but a lot of people have been hurt or killed by direct or nearby lightning strikes in Utah. By the numbers: Sanpete County led the state for ground strikes in 2024, with nearly 22 per square mile. That number was 20 in Sevier County. Most of the country has fewer than 100 ground strikes per square mile, but there are hundreds in some counties in the southeast. Walker County, Texas, had about 825 strikes per square mile. The intrigue: Most lightning injuries — about 90%, per the CDC — aren't fatal, but they're still terrifying. Victims describe long recoveries, physical disabilities and PTSD. Utah tied for the 16th-most fatalities in the past decade, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Here are some of the circumstances in which Utahns have been hurt or killed by lightning. Many here involved storms that appeared and disappeared quickly in areas where shelter wasn't readily available. August 2024: An Ogden man died after lightning struck a boat in which he was fishing in the Bear River. His brother and friend suffered lightning exit wounds but survived. August 2024: A man was landscaping his yard in SLC when he saw the blue-white flash of lightning. He told KSL-TV that "gibberish" came out of his mouth when he tried to speak and that he experienced pain for days. June 2024: 50 kids in a church youth group felt a shock when lightning struck the ground near where they were hiking in eastern Sevier County. At least one hiker was carrying an umbrella, which appeared to attract a bolt. Seven were taken to hospitals by ambulance. One teen compared the strike to being hit in the head by a baseball bat. Another said it was like being crushed by bricks. June 2020: A man was knocked unconscious when lightning struck behind him while he was hiking near Eagle Mountain. February 2018: A golfer in St. George suffered burns on 20% of his body when a lightning bolt hit him and set him "on fire," a friend said. August 2017: Three sisters, ages 3, 6 and 7, were fishing at Lilly Lake in the Uinta Mountains when lightning struck them. July 2016: A 14-year-old girl was killed and her stepmother was injured when their jet ski was hit by lightning at Flaming Gorge as they tried to return to the dock due to a sudden storm.
