Year after year, Florida sees more deaths from lightning than any other state, even though it doesn’t have the highest number of strikes. The reason? Lots of people live there, and they’re outside almost all year, working, playing, going to the beach. So storms have a greater chance of turning deadly.

Let’s look at the numbers. On an average day, Florida gets about 3,500 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes. Over a year, that adds up to around 1.2 million strikes. Despite those big totals, places like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas see more lightning. But with Florida’s packed beaches and outdoor culture, people put themselves in the path of danger more often.

Thunderstorms and sea breezes play a huge role. A sea breeze is a cool push of air from the ocean that blows inland during the day as temperatures rise. When that cooler ocean air meets Florida’s hot, humid land, thunderstorm ingredients come together fast. Storm clouds grow tall and thick along the line where cool air hits warm, and lightning soon follows.

In most places, a morning shower at the beach is just a fluke and doesn’t set the tone for the day. But in Florida, the sea breeze keeps moving inland, carrying showers and storms with it as the afternoon heats up. Sometimes these breezes collide in the state’s middle, brewing up bigger, more intense thunderstorms, especially in late spring and summer. Therefore, the central part of the peninsula gets hammered nearly every afternoon.

The science behind Florida’s lightning reputation is simple: warm water on both sides keeps the air moist, the two sea breezes clash in the middle, and powerful updrafts build gigantic storm clouds. Inside those clouds, ice particles smash together, creating electrical charges that set the stage for lightning’s violent show.

It’s true that other parts of the world, like Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, see even more lightning per square kilometer. Still, Florida tops the U.S. charts. One lightning bolt carries energy that could power a lightbulb for three months and heats the air to 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so hot it’s five times the temperature of the sun’s surface. These bolts move at about 30,000 times the speed of a bullet. And most people get struck not when the storm is overhead, but before it arrives or after it leaves, when they think the coast is clear.

Essentially, Florida is the place in America that experiences the most lightning. When thunder roars, head indoors; don’t wait. Find shelter inside a solid building or a hard-topped car, and stay away from windows, doors, and plumbing.

Don’t let a beautiful day turn tragic. Memorize these life-saving safety tips to protect yourself and your family:

 Watch the Sky: Check weather reports before heading outside and look for darkening skies.
 Hear Thunder? Go Inside: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
 Seek Real Shelter: Substantial buildings or fully enclosed, metal-topped vehicles offer the best protection.
 Avoid Half-Measures: Picnic sheds, tents, and carports will not protect you from a strike.
 Stay Off Electronics: Do not use corded phones, laptops, or appliances plugged into the wall during a storm.
 Avoid Water: Stay out of the pool, beach, shower, and away from plumbing until the storm passes.
 Wait It Out: Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder.

If you hear thunder, stop what you’re doing right away; lightning can strike even when the rain seems far off. Steer clear of tall or isolated objects like trees and poles. Get out of the water: pools, lakes, or the ocean all conduct electricity. Avoid metal fences, golf clubs, and bicycles. If you’re in a group, spread out to reduce the risk that lightning can hit several people at once.

Inside, don’t use corded phones or electronics plugged into outlets, and stay away from sinks, bathtubs, and metal pipes. Steer clear of windows and exterior doors and avoid leaning against concrete floors or walls. And always wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before heading back outside.

Lightning might be part of Florida’s appeal for thrill-seekers, but it’s no joke. Take it seriously, and you’ll dodge the worst that storm season offers.

The post The Deadly Cost of Sunshine: Why Florida Leads the Nation in Lightning Deaths and Important Tips to Stay Safe appeared first on Englewood Review.