Lightning activity ramps up in summer; Oklahoma weather experts weigh in on dangers

A group of friends says they are lucky to be alive after a lightning strike at Okmulgee State Lake over the holiday weekend.

The group shared their experience on social media, saying they are thankful to have survived the dangerous situation. Their story is a reminder of the increasing threat of lightning as Oklahoma heads into summer.

Meteorologists with News On 6 warn that while lightning strikes are rare, they are still extremely dangerous and often underestimated.

“We’re seeing more lightning as we move into the warmer months,” said News On 6 meteorologist Stephen Nehrenz. “Not just one or two strikes, but hundreds and hundreds during a single storm.”

Recent videos and witness accounts have shown just how powerful Oklahoma storms can be, including a strike in Midtown Tulsa where a homeowner described the blast as sounding like a bomb.

“The house shook, our hearing started ringing,” said Tulsa resident Jason Rafferty.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning kills an average of 43 people in the U.S. each year, with the majority of those incidents happening during summer.

“One of the reasons lightning is so dangerous is because people take it for granted,” Nehrenz added. “People often shelter from severe weather, but any thunderstorm—even a non-severe one—can produce deadly lightning.”

Experts recommend taking cover in a building or enclosed vehicle at the first sound of thunder. If outdoors, especially on or near water, it’s crucial to move to shelter immediately.

“The general rule of thumb is, if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning,” said Nehrenz. “It can happen 10, 20 miles or more away from the main storm.”

EMSA paramedic Jasob Henderson said lightning can cause serious injuries and even death.

“Our heart runs on electricity,” Henderson explained. “Massive amounts of electricity running through our body can disrupt that and lead to what we call lethal rhythms.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 400 people are struck by lightning each year in the U.S., and about 90% survive, but many face long-term injuries, including severe burns.

As thunderstorm activity ramps up with summer approaching, meteorologists urge the public to stay alert.