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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

Chris Vagasky @coweatherman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Lots of lightning delays at college football games this weekend and lots of people complaining about them. I had some words to say. Me, in @us.theconversation.com: theconversation.com/game-delays-...

theconversation.com

Game delays for lightning may be annoying, but they save lives – a sports meteorologist explains the risk

Players have been injured by lightning during games, and a strike to the stands could hurt a lot of fans.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

A 19-year-old was killed by lightning near the summit of Mount Timpanogos in Utah this morning. This is the 2nd lightning fatality in Utah and the 16th in the U.S. this year. If a storm approaches while hiking, head towards a safe place immediately. kutv.com/news/local/1...

kutv.com

19-year-old killed in lightning strike on Mount Timpanogos, several others injured

A 19-year-old man died and multiple people were injured after lightning struck a small structure near the summit of Mount Timpanogos, according to the Utah Coun

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

A 20-year-old Michigander was struck and killed by lightning in Florida on Tuesday, September 8. This is the 15th U.S. lightning fatality of 2026 and the 6th in Florida. Lightning frequency decreases in the fall, but still poses a risk to anyone outside. When thunder roars, go indoors!

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

A football and baseball coach from Ohio had died after being struck by lightning while mowing his lawn. This is the 14th U.S. lightning fatality of 2026 and the 13th in Ohio since 2006. Lightning fatalities typically decrease in September, but last year we saw 5. www.wtrf.com/top-stories/...

Map showing the states with lightning fatalities in 2026 and how many occurred in each state.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

90% of people who are struck by lightning survive. It appears he wasn’t directly struck but was impacted by ground current or a side flash from the tree - the most common injury mechanisms for lightning. Call 911 if someone is struck. m.youtube.com/shorts/UcavS...

m.youtube.com

Man survives lightning strike caught on surveillance video

YouTube video by NBC 6 South Florida

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

A jet skier near Fort DeSoto Florida was struck and killed by lightning yesterday. This is the 13th U.S. lightning fatality of 2026 and the 5th in Florida. Boating is the 3rd leading cause of lightning fatalities in the U.S. When thunder roars, go indoors! www.wtsp.com/article/news...

Map showing 2025 lightning fatalities by state. Florida leads the way with 5.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

3 people have been killed by lightning this year after leaving a vehicle to walk into a building. Fully-enclosed metal vehicles are lightning-safe places. If you’re in a car and a thunderstorm is over you, wait there until it ends!

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Very sad news this evening out of South Florida, where a woman and her 2-year-old daughter were struck and killed by lightning. These are the 11th and 12th lightning fatalities in the U.S. of 2026. Florida now has 4 fatalities this year. www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/t...

Map showing where lightning fatalities have occurred in the U.S. in 2026.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Two people were struck by lightning on a beach in Virginia yesterday. One of them died. This is the 10th known lightning fatality of 2026 and the first in Virginia. Beach activities have led to 37 lightning deaths since 2006. www.wavy.com/news/local-n...

Map showing the number of lightning fatalities in each state in 2026. Utah, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina have 1 each. Wisconsin and Florida have 2 each.

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

National Weather Service @nws.noaa.gov · 14/08/2026

Don’t let lightning catch you off guard. ⚡Follow the 30-minute rule: wait at least half an hour after you see lightning or hear thunder before heading back outside. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Storm Safety during outdoor events: Move to a fully-enclosed structure or hard-top vehicle at the first sign of lightning. Wait 30 minutes after the last strike before resuming activities. Watch for falling debris and flying objects during high winds. Use caution when walking on wet surfaces to avoid dangerous slips and falls. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We have seen an above average number of lightning fatalities in July, with a 7th reported fatality today. A woman who was walking on a beach in North Carolina was struck and injured by lightning on July 25. Sadly, she has passed away. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/n...

charlotteobserver.com

Lightning knocks beachgoer unconscious in NC and injures companion, rescuers say

Morning lightning strike knocks beachgoer unconscious at Wrightsville Beach, and injures someone standing near her, North Carolina rescuers say.

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

😮 We’ve just been notified that we will be receiving a Special Award at the @ametsoc.org Annual Meeting in Denver for 25 years of dedicated public education and advocacy, saving countless lives by significantly reducing lightning fatalities nationally and globally.

AMS&
American Meteorological Society
2027 Award and Honors Recipients
AMS is pleased to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations of the weather, water, and climate community through its Awards and Honors program. Join us in congratulating the 2027 recipients who will receive their award or honor at the 107th AMS Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado.
SPECIAL AWARD
National Lightning Safety Council
For 25 years of dedicated public education and advocacy, saving countless lives by significantly reducing lightning fatalities nationally and globally

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

This is the 8th lightning fatality of 2026 and the 6th in New Jersey since 2021. July is the peak of lightning season and lightning fatalities in the United States. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!

Local storm report from NWS Philadelphia. A 32 year old man was struck and killed by lightning at a solar farm in New Jersey.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

We've received reports of another lightning fatality in Wisconsin this morning. This would be Wisconsin's 2nd lightning fatality of 2026 and 3rd in the last two years. The victim was trimming trees when a thunderstorm developed nearby. www.wmtv15news.com/2026/07/27/2...

wmtv15news.com

29-year-old man dies after suspected lightning strike in Whitewater

Whitewater Fire and EMS responded around 10 a.m. to the 400 block of South Elizabeth Street in the City of Whitewater for a person stuck in a tree, possibly struck by lightning.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

wmtv15news.com

29-year-old man dies after suspected lightning strike in Whitewater

Whitewater Fire and EMS responded around 10 a.m. to the 400 block of South Elizabeth Street in the City of Whitewater for a person stuck in a tree, possibly struck by lightning.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

There have been at least 14 hiking-related lightning fatalities since 2006. Know the forecast before you leave for your hike. Plan to be back to your car before thunderstorms develop. If you hear thunder, see towering clouds, or see lightning, head back to a safe place!

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

There was a lightning mass casualty incident on Mt. Blue Sky in Colorado this afternoon. There were nearly 100 lightning events detected within 15 miles of the summit between noon and 1:30 pm MT today. Colorado ranks 5th in the country for lightning fatalities in the last 10 years.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

This is the fifth known U.S. lightning fatality of 2026 and the first in Utah since August 2024. 13 hikers have been killed by lightning since 2006. Know the forecast before your hike and head to a safe place when you see building clouds or hear thunder! kutv.com/news/local/h...

kutv.com

Hiker dies after being struck by lightning in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Authorities have identified the hiker who was fatally struck by lightning in Little Cottonwood Canyon Saturday mornoing.A hiker died Saturday morning after bein

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

July 16 represents the date when the U.S. typically reaches the 50% mark for annual lightning fatalities. We’re currently at 4 fatalities in 2026, so we are trending towards a below average year! Last year we had 8 fatalities after July 16, so keep lightning safety in mind!

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

Chris Vagasky @coweatherman.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

If you want to start developing a lightning safety plan, a good starting point is the @nws.noaa.gov Lightning Safety Toolkits (www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-toolkits). You can also reach out to members of the National @lightningsafety.bsky.social Council. ⚡🧪🧵 (7/14)

weather.gov

Toolkits for County, Communities, Organizations and Large Venues

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

Chris Vagasky @coweatherman.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Lightning protection and detection are critical safety measures at military arsenals.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

We are sad to report that an 8-year-old girl from Illinois was killed by lightning in her back yard on July 3. This is the 4th lightning fatality of 2026 and the first in Illinois since 2018. www.lasallecountyil.gov/DocumentCent...

2026 lightning fatalities by state through July 6. 1 each in Wisconsin and Illinois. 2 in Florida.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Hello new followers! We’re the National Lightning Safety Council, a 26 year old group working to minimize lightning casualties and damage in the US and globally. We’ve got meteorologists, an ER doctor, athletics trainer, and lightning protection specialist. lightningsafetycouncil.org

lightningsafetycouncil.org

Lightning Safety - National Lightning Safety Council

Lightning Safety

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

21% of lightning fatalities in the last 20 years occurred when people were fishing, at the beach, or boating. If you’re engage in one of those activities, stay aware of your surroundings and go to a safe place when thunderstorms move in. When thunder roars, go indoors!

The deadly dozen activities that contribute to the majority of lightning fatalities in the United States.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Lightning, strong winds, and hail make the water a dangerous place to be when thunderstorms are around. If you’re on the water when storms approach, head back to shore immediately!

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

July is the peak month for lightning and lightning fatalities in the United States. Keep lightning safety in mind this month when you're outside. If you hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!

Summer is lightning season in the U.S. July is the peak month for U.S. lightning activity.

July is the peak month for lightning fatalities in the United States.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This is just a beautiful animation of the 5 lightning injury mechanisms. Great work to the @reuters.com graphics team.

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

Chris Vagasky @coweatherman.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Another fantastic graphic story from Simon Scarr and the @reuters.com graphics team about lightning and the World Cup. Quotes from me. www.reuters.com/graphics/SOC...

reuters.com

Why lightning can stop a World Cup match

A single lightning strike near a stadium can pause play instantly. Explore the 8-mile rule, hidden dangers and where matches face the highest risk.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

It's amazing that more people aren't injured or killed by lightning each year - and we already see around 25,000 fatalities and 250,000 injuries around the world each year! It doesn't matter where you are: When thunder roars, go indoors! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvy3...

youtube.com

Lightning strikes the Eiffel Tower as a thunderstorm rages over Paris

YouTube video by Associated Press

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

Chris Vagasky @coweatherman.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Do you like lightning detection? Thank Apollo 12.

"Thinking back to when we had our big glitch, I remember seeing it get light outside the window.
We were in the clouds; I'm pretty sure we got hit by lightning."
- Charles Conrad, Jr.

Apollo 12 was planned and executed as a precision landing. The astronauts landed the Lunar Module (LM) within walking distance of the Surveyor I!! spacecraft which had landed on the moon in April of 1967. The astronauts brought instruments from Surveyor III back to Earth to examine the effects of long-term exposure to the lunar environment.
After leaving the moon, the LM crashed into the lunar surface, creating the first recorded artificial earthquake.
At launch from Earth, the team had a scare when lightning struck the ascending Saturn V and tripped virtually all the circuit breakers in the Command Module. In a matter of minutes, they had everything back online. The flight to the moon and the preparations for the descent were otherwise unremarkable.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Wisconsin showing why you need to be careful if there are rain showers connected to an electrified storm complex! When thunder roars, go indoors!

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

National Weather Association @nwas.org · 26/06/2026

The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to plan ahead Don't get caught outside in a thunderstorm - there is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are the safest. Sheds, balconies, porches, and open vehicles aren't safe #LSAW26

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

American Meteorological Society @ametsoc.org · 26/06/2026

Capturing nature’s wonder from a safe distance⚡📸? Celebrate #LightningSafetyWeek by entering your best lightning shot into the #AMSPhotoContest! You could win up to $500 in cash prizes. 🚨Deadline: 30 June at 5:00 PM ET (Just 4 days left). Submit here: bit.ly/481Yg28

A collage of lightning photos from 2024 AMS Photo Contest submission (clockwise from top left to bottom left): "An Electrical Extravaganza" by Mason W Burris, "Spanish Florida" by Ambrosino Florian, "STATIC" by Rachel, "Bolts and 'Bows on the Plains" by Wright D Dobbs, "A scary night" by Utkarsh Mishra, "The Perfect Storm" by Holly Lackey.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Most people who are struck by lightning survive. They don’t carry an electric charge, so if you see someone who is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 and begin first aid immediately.

If Someone Is Struck By Lightning
• Call for help. Call 9-1-1
• Begin CPR, if necessary
Use an Automatic External Defibrillator, if necessary and one is available.
• If possible, move the victim to a safer place
• Continue to monitor the victim until medical help arrives

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Two of our councilmembers are in Houston this morning to participate in the International Lightning Safety Day Conference with the Lightning Protection Institute.

International Lightning Safety Day Conference 2026

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

National Weather Association @nwas.org · 24/06/2026

When lightning strikes a home or building, it often follows the wiring or plumbing to ground You don’t want to be in contact with anything connected to the home’s wiring or plumbing Metal components of windows or doors could provide a path for the lightning to enter the home #LSAW26

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

National Weather Association @nwas.org · 25/06/2026

For organized outdoor activities, the National Lightning Safety Council and the NWS recommend that organizers have a lightning safety plan and follow it without exception. The plan should give clear and specific safety guidelines to eliminate errors in judgment. #LSAW26

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

In the last 20 years, only 3 of 517 U.S. lightning fatalities occurred when a person was in a substantial building or fully enclosed metal vehicle. This is why we say "When thunder roars, go indoors!" When you're inside, avoid contact with plumbing or plugged-in devices.

Location of Lightning Fatalities 2006 - 2025. 3 were inside. 514 were outside.

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

American Meteorological Society @ametsoc.org · 23/06/2026

When thunder roars, do you know what to do? It's Lightning Safety Week, so refresh your safety bona fides with these lightning-fast facts from Chris Vagasky at the @lightningsafety.bsky.social⚡ Learn more on how to stay safe from lightning: bit.ly/4w5egKh

headlines.ametsoc.org

Lightning Safety: When Thunder Roars, Do You Know What to Do?

It’s Lightning Safety Week! Lightning fatalities increase in the summer, so refresh your safety bona fides with these lightning-fast facts.

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National Lightning Safety Council @lightningsafety.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

#LSAW26: No place outside is safe during a thunderstorm, but there are some activities that result in more injuries and fatalities than others. These twelve activities contributed most to US lightning fatalities in the last 20 years. In these situations, you're generally isolated and exposed.

The Deadly Dozen activities that contribute most to lightning fatalities in the United States.

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Reposted by National Lightning Safety Council

Jeremy Gibbs @gibbs.science · 22/06/2026

It is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Check out this video and follow the National Lightning Safety Council for more information.

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