National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

 Lightning Safety Awareness Week

June 21 - 27, 2009

In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year. During the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 62 people per year . This is more than the average of 54 deaths per year caused by tornadoes. Yet because lightning usually claims only one or two victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction of property, it is underrated as a risk. While documented lightning injuries in the United States average about 300 per year, undocumented injuries likely much higher.

This year, the  National Weather Service in Lincoln has partnered with IEMA (Illinois Emergency Management Agency) and IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) to increase the awareness of lightning safety.

  When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Each day this week, the focus is on a different aspect of lightning. By clicking on the image below you will open up a pdf file. This file will have clickable links with more information for each day's topic.

 There are also other links below to items of interest (including a page for our media partners, and one just for kids!) 

Pictures & Video

KIDS' PAGE (click here)

                     
Videoclip of lightning 
 Decatur on May 24, 2004.
Courtesy of SWOP observer
Paul Hadfield

Lightning in Forsyth, IL  
June 13, 2005. 
Photo by Paul Hadfield.
(Click image to enlarge)

     
    Other Links... 

 
Lightning and rainbow.
Photo by James Gluba, Bloomington, IL
(Click image to enlarge.)

• Lightning Safety Awareness MultiMedia page
• Lightning Statistics, Facts, and More