Oklahoma One of The States You’re More Likely To Be Struck By Lightning

As if tornadoes and severe flash floods weren't bad enough for Oklahomans to worry about, let's add to the list of probable problems that might happen during a storm here in the sooner state. Lighting "light shows" during the spring are usually very beautiful to watch and can be one of the only ways to spot a nocturnal tornado, it comes with a sometimes deadly cost.

Earlier this morning on Wednesday, April 30, a family in Oklahoma City lost their home to a dangerous house fire caused by lightning striking the home. While reports say that the family made it out safe, officials are unsure if the pets inside the home survived.

As much as we'd love to say that this is a rare occurence, the stats prove otherwise. Oklahoma is considered one of the top ten states that people are more likely to be struck by lightning in 2023. So while you're adding flood insurance to your next policy (at least for the spring), you might want to consider getting house fire insurance to go with it.

Oklahoma sits at number seven in the country for most likely to be struck by lightning.

The data from Vaisala Xweather studied different aspects of lightning strikes in the U.S. in 2023, including lightning count and lightning density. According to the study, Oklahoma had the 3rd most lightning counts in the country that year, following Florida and Texas. When it came to lightning density, which is how many lightning events that occured in one square kilometer, Oklahoma dropped to number seven.

Although we're currently in the midst of storm season in Oklahoma, lightning events aren't as high of a concern until June, which seems to be when the most lightning is struck during the year. For now, we're still tackling April showers all the way up until the last day of the month.

Oklahoma has scattered spots for the most lightning strikes in the state.

It's not all parts of Oklahoma that have the highest chances of being struck by lightning, though. According to their data, the places most susceptible to lightning strikes were, unsurprisingly, near the Oklahoma City metro and Tulsa areas. A few other common counties were Comanche, Pittsburg county and parts of Carter and Murray counties.

@cirruslyyesterday Stay grounded my ppl #maps #lightning ♬ original sound - Katie Tutrone

It's commonly known that lightning is attracted to tall, pointed, isolated objects - not necessarily metal objects. So it makes sense that the counties attracting the most lightning strikes generally have the tallest buildings or the widest spaces; after all, lightning travels the path of least resistance. There are a few other misconceptions about lightning that actually could be life-threathening.

Lightning doesn't always go to metal and no, you can't electrocuted by a lightning strike victim.

According to the National Weather Service, some of the most common myths about lightning are:

• If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.
• If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
•  If trapped outside and lightning is about to strike, I should lie flat on the ground.
• A lightning victim is electrified. If you touch them, you’ll be electrocuted.

It's important to remember - if you're outside in the open or underneath a loose, non-solid structure, your chances of getting struck are much higher. When someone is struck by lightning, don't be afraid to give them CPR, as the body doesn't store electricity. Most importantly - when there's a storm, GET INSIDE.