Lightning risk by region: why Florida tops the charts

Why lightning clusters geographically

Lightning frequency depends on heat, humidity, and storm development. Coastal moisture and inland instability can create persistent strike corridors.

Florida and the Gulf Coast lead the country, but the Midwest and Southern Plains can also spike during peak convective months.

Seasonality and timing

Lightning risk is seasonal. Many regions see the highest frequency in late spring and summer when heat and moisture peak.

Afternoon and early evening storms often produce the most strikes, especially in coastal regions where sea breeze convergence triggers storms.

What a lightning score actually means

Lightning scores represent long-term strike frequency and density, not a single storm forecast.

Higher scores often correlate with more power outages, appliance damage, and roof or tree strikes.

Home hardening for lightning

Lightning risk is not just about a roof strike. It is about how energy moves through wiring, plumbing, and connected equipment.

• Surge protection for sensitive electronics and HVAC units.
• Tree trimming near power lines and roof edges.
• Grounding and bonding inspections for older homes.
• Lightning protection systems for high-value properties.

Power and equipment protection

Short power surges can destroy HVAC boards and appliances without visible damage.

Whole-home surge protectors and point-of-use protection reduce loss severity.

How to plan with lightning risk

Pair lightning exposure with wind and hail risk to prioritize seasonal maintenance.

If you are in a high lightning corridor, protection upgrades usually pay off quickly.