Lightning strikes are a common occurrence during thunderstorms. In the United States alone, there are around 25 million lightning strikes each year. While most of these strikes hit trees, mountains, or open fields, some do occasionally strike homes and buildings. Getting hit by lightning can cause severe damage to a house or even result in a fire. So how often do lightning strikes actually hit houses? Let’s take a closer look at some key statistics and facts around lightning strikes on homes.
Quick Facts on Lightning Strikes
- There are approximately 25 million lightning strikes in the U.S. each year
- Lightning is most common in Florida, which sees over 1.5 million strikes per year
- Around 10%-20% of strikes occur near homes or buildings
- Only about 1% of strikes result in damage to property
- On average, lightning causes around $1 billion in property damage each year in the U.S.
- Lightning fires account for 32% of houses damaged by natural hazards
As we can see, lightning strikes are common but only a small portion actually hit and damage homes directly. Next, let’s look at some more details on lightning strike statistics.
Detailed Statistics on Lightning Strikes on Houses
While lightning can hit anywhere, homes in rural areas surrounded by trees or near the tops of hills tend to be more vulnerable. Exact statistics are hard to come by, but research studies and insurance data allows us to estimate how often lightning strikes houses.
Likelihood of a Direct Strike
According to the National Weather Service, around 400,000 lightning strikes hit the ground every year in the United States. Based on estimates that 10%-20% of strikes hit near human-made structures, we can deduce:
- 40,000 to 80,000 lightning strikes hit man-made structures annually
- This means your house has about a 1 in 100,000 chance of getting struck by lightning in any given year
So while unlikely, getting directly hit is still very possible, especially if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms.
Houses Damaged by Lightning
Research published in Wildfire Magazine estimates that lightning causes an average of 9,000 house fires every year, destroying around 900 homes annually.
This aligns with insurance data showing lightning accounts for $1 billion in property damage each year, with an average insurance claim costing around $10,000.
So while only 1 in 100,000 homes may get hit, those that do sustain quite a bit of damage on average.
Likelihood in Different Regions
Some states are much more prone to lightning strikes than others. Florida by far has the most, with over 1.5 million strikes per year. After Florida, states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia have the highest frequencies of lightning.
Homes in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions are over 3 times more likely to get hit than those in the Western or Northeastern states based on lightning frequency data.
| State | Lightning Strikes Per Year |
|---|---|
| Florida | 1,599,836 |
| Texas | 558,774 |
| Oklahoma | 405,778 |
| Louisiana | 386,894 |
| Mississippi | 270,174 |
| Alabama | 233,863 |
So if you live in states like Florida or Alabama, your home’s chance of getting struck increases dramatically. Those living along the Gulf or southern Atlantic coasts are at highest risk.
What Are the Odds of Being Struck by Lightning?
While your house may only rarely get directly hit, there is still a chance you could be struck by lightning even if your home is not hit. What are the actual odds of being personally struck?
Your Overall Lifetime Odds
According to the National Weather Service, your lifetime odds of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 15,300. This means that over an 80 year lifespan, around 0.0065% of the population gets struck by lightning at some point.
So while uncommon, it’s still quite possible, especially if you regularly work, live, or recreate outdoors.
Annual Lightning Fatality Statistics
On average, lightning kills about 20 people each year in the United States. The odds are higher in the Southeast states, with Florida and Texas normally seeing the most fatalities.
Being underneath a tree, near water, or above ground in an open area all make a strike more likely if you are caught outside in a storm.
So while your house may not be damaged, take precautions in dangerous weather conditions to avoid being directly hit.
Preventing Lightning Strikes to Your House
There are several things you can do to minimize your home’s chances of sustaining a direct lightning strike:
Install Lightning Rods
Lightning rods are conductive metal rods placed along the roof that help direct current from a lightning strike into the ground. This prevents damage to your home. Install these on the corners, peaks, and edges of the roof for optimal protection.
Disconnect Electronics
Unplug TVs, computers, and other electronics to prevent power surges from traveling through wires and destroying devices. Use surge protectors as an added defense.
Avoid Using Landline Phones
Talking on corded landline phones during a storm is dangerous, as power from a lightning strike can travel through the phone lines. Use cell phones or cordless phones instead.
Turn Off the Gas
Shut off your home’s main gas valve so if lightning hits appliances, it won’t cause an explosion or fire.
Follow these tips to minimize the odds of lightning damaging your house. And if you live in a high-risk region, consider installing a lightning protection system for additional security.
What To Do if Your House is Struck by Lightning
If your house does suffer a direct lightning strike, here are some things you should do:
Check for Sparks or Fire
Immediately check the attic, roof, and outside perimeter for any smoldering spots or sparks that could signal a fire. Put out any small fires quickly before they spread.
Watch for Electrical Damage
Look for signs of damaged appliances, electronics, or outlets. Any damage signals potential electric issues that need professional repair.
Turn Off Electronics
Shut down any electronics that were plugged in to avoid power surges when turning the electricity back on. Leave them unplugged until you can have an electrician check for damages.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
File a claim as soon as possible for repairs and replacements that will be needed. Keep records of all the damage to submit.
Inspect the Entire Home
Do a walkthrough of the house to spot any less obvious damage like small holes, cracked glass, or brick displacements that will need patching and repairs.
Document all damage thoroughly and contact the right professionals to fix any roof, electric, or structural issues. Stay vigilant for fires or other emerging issues in the days after.
Conclusion
While the odds are low, lightning can and does occasionally strike homes. If you live in an area prone to thunderstorms, take protective measures such as installing lightning rods and being vigilant whenever there is a storm risk. Monitor forecasts so you can disconnect electronics and turn off gas valves when lightning is likely.
Know what to do if your house is among the unlucky few that get hit each year. With quick response and the right repairs, even a direct strike does not have to be a disaster. Stay smart, stay prepared, and you can keep your home safe even during the intense lightning storms.