Florida Airports Lead National Lightning Strikes Report for 2024
Miami, FL — A recent report by Vaisala Weather has revealed that Florida is home to two of the U.S. airports most frequently struck by lightning in 2024. Miami International Airport and Orlando International Airport have emerged at the top of the list, reflecting the state’s notorious lightning activity.
The Vaisala report categorizes lightning into two main types: in-cloud lightning, which can travel across large distances between clouds, and cloud-to-ground strikes that make contact with the earth. Last year, the National Weather Service (NWS) recorded about 25 million lightning strikes nationwide, resulting in an average of 47 fatalities annually.
According to the report, Miami International Airport ranked No. 1 with an average of 1,115 hours of nearby lightning and served over 52 million passengers in 2023. Orlando International Airport was close behind, ranked No. 2 with 1,109 hours of lightning and 57 million passengers.
States most affected by lightning include Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Louisiana, while Teague, Texas, and Kingsland, Georgia are among the cities with the highest strike density.
In light of the dangers associated with thunderstorms, the NWS has issued safety tips. Outdoors, seek shelter in substantial buildings or enclosed vehicles at the first sign of thunder. While indoors, avoid using corded devices and stay clear of plumbing and windows. If caught outside, it’s crucial to stay away from isolated trees and elevated areas, and avoid water bodies.
With lightning being a significant weather hazard, staying informed and taking precautions can genuinely save lives.
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