As the nation prepares to honor fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend, millions of Americans will head outdoors for barbecues, ballgames, and beach trips. But before you fire up the grill or grab your sunscreen, the National Weather Service wants you to think about something far less fun: lightning safety.
On Tuesday, the NWS took to social media to remind everyone that lightning is a serious and often overlooked threat during spring and summer outdoor activities. "If you hear thunder or see lightning, take shelter in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows up," the agency warned on X (formerly Twitter).
The warning comes as holiday plans take shape across the country. Whether you're heading to a parade, a concert, or a family reunion, the weather can change fast — and lightning doesn't give much warning. The NWS advises that there is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance.
Lightning by the Numbers
Each year, the United States experiences between 20 and 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. While the odds of being struck are low, the consequences can be deadly. On average, lightning kills 20 to 30 people annually and injures hundreds more. Fatalities have dropped in recent decades thanks to better forecasting and public awareness, but the danger remains high during outdoor recreation.
Florida, Texas, and other southeastern states see the highest number of strikes due to frequent thunderstorms and humid air. But no region is immune. Even states in the Midwest and along the Atlantic coast can see dangerous lightning activity during the summer months.
Lightning also causes significant property damage — sparking house fires, damaging electrical systems, and igniting wildfires. Insurance industry estimates put annual losses at hundreds of millions to over $1 billion, depending on storm activity.
How to Stay Safe
The NWS's advice is simple: when thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building or a metal-topped vehicle with windows rolled up offers the best protection. Avoid open fields, hilltops, isolated trees, and bodies of water. If you're boating or swimming, get to shore immediately. And stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
For those planning outdoor events, it's smart to have a lightning safety plan. Designate a shelter area, monitor weather forecasts, and be ready to postpone activities if storms are predicted. The same caution applies to extreme thunderstorms that may bring hail and damaging winds along with lightning.
Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and celebrate. A little preparation can help ensure that the only sparks flying are from the grill — not from the sky.
