States with the Most Lightning Each Year

Top 5 states for lightning

We crossed referenced two data points to find the states with the most lightning each year.

• The states with the greatest number of lightning strikes in 2023 (based on data from Statista)^[3]
• The states with the most lightning claims/damages (based on data from the Insurance Information Institute)^[2] 
• States with the greatest flash density (amount of lightning compared to total acreage)^[4]

Here’s the top five states:

1. Florida 

Number of lightning strikes: 19,182

Flash density per square mile: 109 

Claims: 6,003

Florida doesn’t have the most lightning of any state (that would be our number two), but it does have the highest flash density. It also has by far the highest number of home insurance claims due to lightning. Because of its dense population and plentiful outdoor recreation, Florida also has the unfortunate distinction of having the most deaths due to lightning.^[5] 

2. Texas

Number of lightning strikes: 42,389

Flash density per square mile: 50

Claims: 4,664

Texas gets the greatest number of lightning strikes of any U.S. state. However, because of its massive size, the strikes do have a lower flash density than Florida above. Texas has the second highest number of home insurance claims due to lightning, and the average cost per claim is higher than Florida’s

3. Alabama

Number of lightning strikes: 11,612

Flash density per square mile: 79

Claims: 3,508

Alabama has only about a quarter of the lightning strikes of Texas, but it is a much smaller state, so its flash density is higher. The number of claims is fewer, but still on the top ten in the U.S. Alabama also ranks in the top five in the U.S. for lightning deaths.^[6]

4. Louisiana 

Number of lightning strikes: 11,672

Flash density per square mile: 80

Claims: 3,050

Louisiana ranks just slightly below Alabama. It has slightly more lightning strikes but significantly fewer claims. The value of those claims is also lower than Alabama’s.

5. Georgia

Number of lightning strikes: 9,630

Flash density per square mile: 55.51

Claims: 5,161

Georgia receives significantly fewer strikes of lightning and has a lower flash density than many of the other states on this list. However, it ranks in the top five because the number of claims is still high due to its denser population.

Why is lightning more common in some places than others?

So why does lightning form? The basic ingredients for thunderstorms are warm and moist air near the ground with cooler, drier air above it.

As the heated air rises into the atmosphere, thick clouds form. At the top, where the air is cooler, hail and ice crystals appear. In the middle are rain and melting hail. These different types of precipitation colliding in midair, among other factors, lead the cloud to become positively charged. 

Lightning is a large electrical discharge trying to dissipate in a cloud. Lightning can occur between opposite charges within a cloud or between opposite charges in the cloud and the ground. When the latter happens, a strike affects the ground. 

You might have noticed that most of the states on this list are on the Gulf Coast. This is because this area of the country has an abundance of warm, moist air moving in from the Gulf of Mexico.

The Central and Southern Atlantic coast still experience some lightning storms. The North and West parts of the country experience fewer thunderstorms and lightning strikes because the Pacific is comparatively cool.^[7]

What to do if your home or car is struck by lightning

Lightning strikes are rare but can be extremely dangerous. Whether it’s your home or car that gets hit, knowing the right steps to take can help ensure safety and minimize damage.

If your home is struck by lightning

1. Ensure safety. Call 911 and evacuate if necessary.  If you see fire or smell smoke, leave immediately. Lightning can cause electrical fires inside walls, which might not be immediately visible. Report any fires or electrical issues to emergency services. Even if you don't see any obvious signs of damage, it's safer to have professionals inspect your home.
2. Check for fire and damage: Once it’s safe to do so, inspect your home for visible damage. Look for scorch marks on walls and around electrical outlets.
3. Shut off power: If you suspect any electrical damage, shut off your home's main power supply. This can prevent further electrical issues or fires.
4. Avoid electrical appliances: Avoid using any electrical devices until your home has been inspected. Lightning strikes can cause power surges that may damage electronics and pose a risk of shock.
5. Hire a professional: Have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s wiring and electrical system. They can identify hidden damage and ensure everything is safe before turning the power back on. In severe cases, structural damage can occur. Hiring a building inspector can help assess any potential risks to the structural integrity of your home.
6. Contact your insurance company. If you have significant damage, consider making a claim with your home insurance provider, as lightning strikes are usually a covered peril. 

If your car is struck by lightning

1. Don’t leave the vehicle. The metal frame of a car can protect you by directing the lightning current to the ground. Avoid touching any metal parts of the car. If the car is damaged or you feel unsafe, call for roadside assistance or emergency services.
2. Assess the damage: Look for signs of damage to the car’s exterior, including burn marks, and check the tires for damage, as lightning can cause them to burst. Modern cars have extensive electrical systems that can be damaged by lightning. Check the car's electronics and functionality once it’s safe to do so.
3. Visit a mechanic. Have your car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic. They can check for any damage to the electrical system and other components to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
4. Contact your insurance company. If you carry comprehensive car insurance, call your insurance company to report the incident and begin any necessary claims process for repairs.