Local lifeguard only death by lightning in Florida in 2011

TAMPA - 2011 will be remembered for many weather disasters, from deadly, destructive tornados that raked across the Midwest and deep south, to Hurricane Irene that devastated parts of New England. But of all the weather records that fell, only one is being celebrated by meteorologists.
    
According to the National Weather Service, 2011 will be a record low year for lightning fatalities. Twenty-six people were killed across the United States and US Territories last year, less than half the yearly average. The previous lowest number of lightning fatalities occurred in 2008 when 28 people died.

"Fortunately, the downward trend in lightning fatalities that we've seen for more than 40 years is continuing," said meteorologist John Jensenius, who tracks lightning fatality statistics for the National Weather Service.

On average, 55 people are killed by lightning every year in the United States. Florida usually leads the count with ten deaths. According to the NWS, the corridor from Tampa to Titusville, also known as "Lightning Alley," receives the most lightning in the United States on an annual basis. More than 90% of the lightning in this area occurs from May through October, between the hours of noon and midnight. During this time of day and year, people in Central Florida who spend a large portion of their lives outdoors (e.g. construction workers, park rangers, golfers, beach goers, campers etc.) are much more likely to be struck than anytime or anywhere else in the country.

Despite our reputation as the "Lightning Capital of the Country", Florida reported only one lightning death in 2011. Justin Savers Inversso was struck and killed by a lightning bolt while moving people to safety during a storm at Adventure Island water park in Tampa the day after his 21st birthday.

In 2011, Missouri and Utah recorded the most lightning fatalities with three each. Arizona, New Jersey and Michigan each had two deaths. Men were struck and killed more often than women, by a three to one margin.

Jensenius said the lower death toll in 2011 is evidence that the Weather Service's commitment to lightning education and safety is paying off.

"In large part, the reduction in lightning fatalities is due to the efforts of many people and organizations who help educate the public on the dangers of lightning and make the public more aware of our lightning safety recommendations," he said. "Undoubtedly, the benefits of all these efforts are being realized."