Florida tops the list as the state where you’re most likely to be killed by lightning.
Researchers from the National Lightning Safety Council, using data from the National Weather Service, tallied 97 confirmed lightning deaths in Florida from 2006 through 2025. That’s more than twice the total in second-place Texas, which recorded 42 fatalities over the same period. Colorado followed with 27, while Alabama and North Carolina each had 23.
The Sunshine State earns its ranking as the lightning capital of America with roughly 1.2 million strikes per year, driven by year-round heat, humidity, sea breezes and flat terrain that fuel powerful afternoon thunderstorms. Texans face the second-highest risk because of open plains, agriculture and Gulf moisture that collides with drier air to the west.
NO place outside is safe during a thunderstorm.
— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 8, 2025
That includes under a tree!
You are safest indoors or inside a hard-topped enclosed vehicle. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about lightning safety: https://t.co/KCtcJO1NSz pic.twitter.com/gYj0HfDDUM
Nationwide, lightning deaths have dropped sharply thanks to better forecasting, smartphone alerts and public education campaigns. The U.S. averaged nearly 50 fatalities a year in the mid-2000s but now sees only about 20 annually. Still, the risk remains real: nearly two-thirds of deaths occur during outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping or sports, with July the deadliest month and afternoons the most dangerous hours.
No lightning fatalities have been reported in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire or Washington since 2006. Experts stress that the odds of being killed by lightning are roughly one in 1.5 million, and about 90 percent of victims survive.
As summer storm season ramps up across North Texas and the nation, officials urge everyone to take lightning seriously. The National Weather Service reminds the public that no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Nationwide, lightning deaths have dropped sharply thanks to better forecasting, smartphone alerts and public education campaigns.
Nationwide, lightning deaths have dropped sharply thanks to better forecasting, smartphone alerts and public education campaigns.
