Florida – US Lightning Capital
Florida is the “lightning capital” of the United States, with more lightning strikes than any other state – on average, lighning results in more deaths in Florida than any other weather hazard! Lightning is a serious threat during thunderstorms, and can strike up to 10 miles outside any rainfall.
Viewer Tip: Remember the 30/30 rule: seek shelter if the “flash-to-bang” delay (the time between lightning and thunder) is less than 30 seconds and stay inside until at least 30 minutes after the storm is over. Be sure to bring pets in, too – dog houses are not lightning safe.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Source: National Weather Service, www.nws.noaa.gov; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2004. Backgrounder: Thunderstorms and Lightning. NOAA JetStream, Lightning Safety: http://www.srh.weather.gov/srh/jetstream/lightning/lightning_safety.htm.)
