This time of year, lightning is a real threat in North Carolina - considered among the most dangerous spots on the East Coast. Between the years of 2008-2017, the state ranked fourth in the nation for lightning strike fatalities.
Stay safe this summer and throughout storm season with these lightning safety tips, facts and figures.
When thunder roars, go indoors. Seek shelter in a hard-topped vehicle. If you cannot get to shelter:
- Avoid open fields and hilltops
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees and objects
- If you are in a group, spread out
Shocking facts about lighting:
- There are 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes annually in the U.S.
- Every year, 300 Americans are struck by lightning
- Of those struck, 30 are killed and others suffer lifelong disabilities
Did you know?
- All thunderstorms produce lightning
- Lightning often strikes outside the area of heavy rain and can strike as far a 10 miles from any rainfall.
- If you hear thunder, you are in the danger zone.