This time of year, as the weather warms and many activities return outdoors, residents are urged to prepare for a new season: storm season.
Threats posed by thunderstorms are substantial, say experts, and the phrase “when lightning strikes" describes an occurrence more frequent than many may think.
According to national statistics, an annual average of 58 fatalities has been caused by lightning in the United States over the past 30 years.
This average is one greater than the annual number of deaths due to tornadoes. Yet, ask residents of Illinois which types of storm are most deadly, and tornadoes would likely top thunderstorms on their lists.
Local weather experts are urging people not to underestimate the potential for harm posed by a common spring or summer storm. Thunderstorms produce a variety of conditions, causing considerable damage to people and property — including damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall and lightning.
In Illinois alone, 27 people have been killed by lightning since 1990.
“Lightning is something that people really need to be concerned about,” said Chris Miller, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln.
This is true even though lightning is not always visible during a storm. People assume — incorrectly — that if they don’t see it, it is not there, said Miller.
“All thunderstorms, by definition, produce lightning,” Miller said. “If you hear thunder, get inside and away from windows and doors.”
A roof over one’s head — such as that provided by a park shelter or baseball dugout — may not suffice, according to Miller. “You need those walls around you,” he said.
The National Weather Service is taking active measures to educate coaches, athletes and others who may find themselves tempted to assume lightning risk in the name of recreation.
The simple message is: It is not worth it.
Statistics show that most lightning deaths occur under or near trees, and in open fields.
“If you are caught outside, try to get to a building. If not, a vehicle with closed windows is safe.”
Although taking refuge in a metal structure seems counter intuitive, he explained, lightning should safely conduct around the outside of a vehicle with no openings.
Another factor to consider, in addition to location, is timing.
“Sometimes people do all these right things, but make the mistake of going back outside too soon,” Miller said. “Do not judge the end of a storm by when rain stops falling. It is recommended to wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder to go outside.”
