Multiple Lightning Strikes Injure Four Across Florida, New York During Safety Awareness Week

A series of recent lightning strikes across the U.S. have highlighted the dangers of 'blue sky' lightning, which can strike miles away from visible storms. In New Smyrna Beach, Florida, a 29-year-old man was critically injured by lightning while standing in shallow water, and two golfers nearby were also struck, though not hospitalized—all incidents occurred when skies appeared clear. Florida, the leading state for lightning fatalities, has seen nearly double the deaths of Texas over the past 18 years, emphasizing the region's risk. Lightning has also caused injuries and property damage elsewhere, including a teen struck in New York's Central Park and a fatality in Texas. These events coincide with National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, underscoring the need for vigilance even when storms seem distant, as lightning can strike up to 20 miles from a storm. Safety experts urge the public to heed weather warnings and seek shelter promptly at the first sound of thunder.