Ironic, isn't it? The Sunshine State is the lightning capital of the United States. Florida sees more strikes per square mile than anywhere in the country, making it the perfect place to learn about the experiences of lightning strike survivors. While only 10 percent of lightning strikes are fatal, according to the NWS Storm Data, the remaining 90 percent leave victims with various degrees of injuries, disabilities, and incredible stories to tell. Let's explore some of these stories and get a glimpse into what it feels like to be struck by lightning.
What Happens If You Are Struck by Lightning?
"It felt like someone punched me all the way down my spine," said Michael Thomas, who was 28 when he was struck while lifeguarding a community pool in Delaware in 2018. His experience is a testament to the intense force of a lightning strike. Thomas was knocked to the ground but remained conscious. He described feeling his hair standing up and a sensation that started from the top of his head and traveled down his spine to his butt. In addition, he reported having the taste of copper in his mouth for a few hours after the incident. Thomas was not struck directly but by a side flash or indirect strike. Side flashes, also known as arcing, can spread out as much as 60 feet after initially striking the ground, according to the NWS.
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Lightning Never Strikes Twice
That's a myth. Roy C. Sullivan's story is proof of that. The retired park ranger was struck by lightning seven times from 1942 through 1977, earning him a dubious Guinness World Records title. Sullivan experienced burns, lost his hearing, and even had his big toenail blown off due to these repeated strikes. This dispels the notion that lightning never strikes the same place twice. In fact, lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it's a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building, for example, gets struck an average of 23 times a year, according to the National Weather Service.
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What Does It Feel Like to Be Struck by Lightning?
"It felt just like somebody came up with a board and hit me on top of the head and knocked me down,” said former Cleveland Indians pitcher Ray Caldwell, who was struck by lightning and knocked unconscious during a game in 1919. Caldwell's experience highlights the sheer force of a lightning strike. He sustained burns on his chest but was revived and, according to legend, went on to finish the game.
Anthony Fasciglione, who was struck while boating on the fourth of July, described the sensation as if a horse had hit him in the back of the head—a feeling comparable to being kicked by a mule or being hit by a Mack truck. Immediately afterward, Fasciglione felt energized, his entire body tight, and his ears ringing. Fortunately, he suffered no major injuries.
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Can You Survive Being Struck by Lightning?
The good news is that you can survive being struck by lightning, and 90 percent of victims do. However, some, like Dave, whose story is listed on the National Weather Service's list of survivor stories, endure a lifetime of debilitating injuries. Dave was struck by lightning while working on a dock on the east coast of Florida. Even two years after the incident, he still suffered from chronic pain, heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, inability to concentrate, and a loud ringing in his ears. Dave vividly recalls the disoriented feeling as if he was flying and his vision being engulfed in white or grey before the bright flash that brought him back to reality. Like other survivors, Dave believes he can now "feel" lightning before it strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many lightning fatalities happen in Florida?
From 2011 to 2020, 49 lightning fatalities occurred in Florida, the most in any state, according to data from the NWS. The second state with the most lightning deaths is Texas with 22 during the same time period.
2. How powerful is a lightning flash compared to household current?
A typical lightning flash is about 300 million Volts and about 30,000 Amps. In comparison, household current is 120 Volts and 15 Amps, according to the NWS.
3. What are the long-term effects of surviving a lightning strike?
Many victims of lightning strikes suffer from cardiac arrest, brain and nerve injuries. Survivors report long-term effects such as personality changes, forgetfulness, balance problems, ringing in the ears, headaches, trouble concentrating, and slower reaction times.
4. Do all lightning strikes leave outward marks?
Not all strikes are direct hits, but most do leave outward marks, whether burns or strange spidery bruises, known as Lichtenberg figures, which trace the path of electricity that forced blood cells out of capillaries.
As these stories and facts show, the experience of a lightning strike can be incredibly intense and leave lasting effects on the survivors. Lightning is a force of nature that demands our respect and caution. So, the next time you see a thunderstorm approaching, remember the stories of those who have been struck and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.