Probability of Being Struck by Lightning (Lifetime)

The odds of being struck by lightning in any given year in the US are approximately 1 in 1,222,000, according to the National Weather Service. Over an 80-year lifetime, this translates to approximately 1 in 15,300. When you factor in that each victim affects about 10 close family or friends, the odds of being personally affected by a lightning strike are about 1 in 1,530.

Florida has the most lightning casualties of any state, followed by Texas, Alabama, and Georgia. The highest-risk activities during lightning include fishing, beach activities, camping, boating, and field sports like soccer and golf. Construction workers and other outdoor laborers also face elevated risk.

Survivors of lightning strikes frequently experience a range of chronic symptoms collectively called "lightning injury syndrome." These can include chronic pain, sleep disorders, difficulty with multitasking and memory, irritability, depression, PTSD, dizziness, and fatigue. Despite the dramatic nature of lightning strikes, prompt CPR can save the life of a victim whose heart has stopped, as there is no danger to the rescuer from touching a lightning strike victim.