The National Weather Service reminds the public that this is the time of year when people love to be outdoors, making them more vulnerable to being struck by lightning even from developing thunderstorms.

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills an average of 49 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.

To learn more about lightning safety, CLICK HERE to visit the National Weather Service online.  This website will teach you how to stay safe and offer insight into the science of lightning.  The site also contains animated books about lightning, safety tips for all kinds of situations, games for kids and resources for teachers. Those visiting the site can also learn about lightning victims and survivors.

NWS invites the public to explore their site, and come and visit often.
Photo courtesy National Weather Service.