How Dangerous is Lightning?
Lightning is a major cause of storm related deaths in the U.S. A lightning strike can result in a cardiac arrest (heart stopping) at the time of the injury, although some victims may appear to have a delayed death a few days later if they are resuscitated but have suffered irreversible brain damage.
According to the NWS Storm Data, over the last 30 years (1984-2013) the U.S. has averaged 49 reported lightning fatalities per year. Only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning are killed, leaving 90% with various degrees of disability.
Odds of Becoming a Lightning Victim
based on averages for 2004-2013 |
Estimated U.S. population as of 2014 |
318,000,000 |
Annual Reported Lightning Deaths |
33 |
Annual Injuries Reported |
234 |
267 |
Estimated number of U.S. Deaths |
33 |
Estimated number of actual Injuries |
297 |
330 |
Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year (reported deaths + injuries) |
1/1,190,000 |
Odds of being struck in a given year (estimated total deaths + injuries) |
1/960,000 |
Odds of being struck in your lifetime (Est. 80 years) |
1/12,000 |
Odds you will be affected by someone struck (10 people for every 1 struck) |
1/1,200 |
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