Question: How Many Lightning Deaths Have Occurred in the United States?
Lightning strikes the earth with an electrical discharge of approximately 100 million volts. That's a lot of energy! Thankfully, 80% of lightning is considered cloud-to-cloud lightning and never strikes the earth. But the 20% of discharges between the ground and a cloud are the most hazardous.
Answer:
Before 1994
In the United States, lightning strikes from 1959-1994 killed 3239 people.
Before 1994
In the United States, lightning strikes from 1959-1994 killed 3239 people.
After 1994
And, between 1995 and 2004, another 489 people lost their lives. The reduction in numbers was likely due to increased education about lightning safety.
In the United States, lightning strikes can occur anywhere, but 10 states rank as the worst states for lightning related injuries and deaths.
