[The Shadow]

2012 lightning deaths in U.S. climb to 20

Lightning facts

On the July afternoon that a lightning strike damaged the Trinity Christian Academy Preschool in Deltona, thunderstorms produced about 600 lightning strikes across Volusia County.

It's not uncommon for a thunderstorm in Florida to have more than 400 lightning strikes in two hours, the National Weather Service said. Here are some facts on lightning:

- Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes with 1.07 million flashes last year. An estimated 25 million lightning flashes occur each year in the nation.

- More than 70 percent of lightning strike victims are male.

- Thunder can be heard up to 10 miles away.

- Of the 20 fatalities in the U.S. this year, 12 happened in July. Of the total, five people had been fishing, three working outside and three playing.

- Lightning will strike the same place twice or many times. The Empire State building is hit nearly 100 times a year.

- Lightning will strike out "of the blue" up to 15 miles away from a thunderstorm.

- When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don't lean on doors during a thunderstorm.

- Lightning strike victims are not electrified. It is safe and preferred to administer first aid and CPR as soon as possible.

2012 lightning deaths in U.S. climb to 20 - News