What are the odds of being struck by lightning. What to know

Mark H. Bickel, Naples Daily News
·1 min read

Note to readers: Each day this week as part of our special "Weather Week" coverage we will feature tips and what to know about lightning safety from the National Lightning Safety Council. Today we share information about the odds of being struck by lightning.

What are the odds of being struck by lightning?

Your odds depend on your behavior when thunderstorms are in the area. If you take the lightning threat seriously and always get inside before lightning becomes a threat, your personal odds of being struck are near zero. However, if you ignore the lightning threat or take chances when thunderstorms are in the area, your odds of being struck are much higher.

  • Lightning not only affects the person that is struck, but also the person’s family and relatives.

  • Lightning injuries can be life-long, devastating, and very costly.

Lightning strike facts:

Odds of becoming a lightning victim (based on averages for 2014-2023):

  • Estimated U.S. population as of 2024: 336,000,000

  • Average number of deaths reported: 21

  • Estimated number of injuries: 189

  • Odds of being struck in a given year (estimated total deaths + estimated injuries): 1/1,600,000

  • Odds of being struck in your lifetime (Est. 80 years): 1/20,000

  • Odds you will be affected by someone struck (10 people affected for every 1 struck): 1/2000

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: What are the odds of being struck by lightning