North Carolina sees its fair share of lightning every year. A recent study by the Insurance Information Institute found the state ranks seventh in the country for lightning-related insurance claims.   

What You Need To Know

  • Lightning occurs more frequently in the Sandhills and southeastern North Carolina than in any other part of the state

  • Lightning strikes around 400 people every year in the United States

  • If you hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm for lightning to strike you

Another study by the National Weather Service Office in Raleigh found lightning occurs more frequently around the Sandhills and in southeastern North Carolina.

However, almost every city in the state records over 2,000 lightning strikes in an average year. 

These lightning strikes are not only dangerous to property, but they can also be dangerous to our lives if caught outside during a thunderstorm. According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes an average of 400 people each year in the U.S. Around 55 to 60 of those people die.

Fortunately, it is pretty easy to stay safe during a thunderstorm. All you have to do is seek shelter inside a building or even in a vehicle.

It is important to remember that it does not have to be raining for lightning to strike. You may even still see blue in the sky, as lightning can strike several miles ahead of a thunderstorm.

Related story: Chatham County man survives 4 lightning strikes

If you are close enough to a storm to hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Anytime you're outside and hear thunder, you should always immediately go inside.

While inside, if you have not heard any thunder for at least 30 minutes, it is likely safe to go back outside.

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