Iowa (RI) — Plenty of thunderstorms have rolled over Iowa lately and the experts at the National Weather Service are offering some reminders about the dangers of lightning.
Meteorologist Ashley Bury says it’s a wise move to stay “weather aware,” especially when potentially severe storms may be moving in.
In 2024, there were no reports of any lightning injuries in Iowa. Studies find there are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes every year nationwide, while lightning kills an average of 51 people each year in the US. Bury says most Iowans have a weather app on their phones that will help them to stay vigilant.
Other tips include: Don’t use corded phones. Stay away from windows and doors. Don’t touch electrical equipment or cords. Avoid touching metal plumbing. Also, water inside a house is a good conductor of electricity, so don’t wash your hands or dishes, take a shower or bath, or do laundry during a thunderstorm. The Weather Service says only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning die. The other 90% must cope with varying degrees of discomfort and disability, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
(Additional reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)
