Widespread Showers Across the Eastern Half of the US; Severe Thunderstorms in Montana into the Plains

Widespread coverage of showers and thunderstorms across much of the central and eastern U.S., will produce areas of excessive rain in the northwest Gulf Coast, portions of the Mississippi Valley and the southern Mid-Atlantic states. Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected from Montana into portions of the central/southern Plains this weekend. Read More >

Lightning Safety

There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 of which occur in Illinois alone.

Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous – it is the underrated killer.

Each year in the United States, more than 1,000 people are struck by lightning.

The 10-year average was around 55 fatalities each year when Lightning Safety Awareness Week began in 2001. The 10-year average has now dropped to around 23 deaths per year.

Visit the NWS Lightning Safety Awareness web page for more information

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning Messages (Click on images below for a larger graphic)

Links: