As storms continue to move across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, lightning safety remains a concern, particularly after strikes killed two Ware County teens and, after hitting the St. Augustine Beach Pier, sent two more people to the hospital.
RELATED: 2 Ware County teens killed by lightning strike while fishing, mayor says
Joey Nelson Jr., 18, and Randall Martin III, 19, lost their lives Thursday night after a lightning strike while they were out fishing. Both young men were described as standout athletes for the Ware County High School football team.
Then, less than 24 hours later, a house fire in St. Johns County was believed to be ignited by a lightning strike. Thankfully, SJC Fire Rescue said nobody was home at the time.
And on Saturday, lightning struck the St. Augustine Beach Pier. One person was airlifted in serious condition, and another was sent to the hospital.
The last incident, according to the St. Augustine Beach Mayor, serves as a reminder to be careful when thunder or lightning is involved.
“The perfect world, you’d have all the signs and signals out there that you can, but at the end of the day, people still need to take caution when you see clouds rolling in summertime,” Mayor Dylan Rumrell said. “This is when most of this happens...You just gotta be careful...You see the storms rolling in [and] you hear the thunder, seek shelter.”
And, according to the National Weather Service of Jacksonville, the United States has had over 500 documented lightning deaths since 2006, with six occurring so far in 2025. The year with the most fatal lightning strikes in the last decade was 2016, with 40 deaths happening that year.
Fishing is the most common activity among those impacted — accounting for 42 deaths — about 9%. Beaching, boating, and farming round out the top 4 activities, which, when combined, make up about one quarter of lightning fatalities.
NWS advises that “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors,” reminding the public that when thunder can be heard, a lightning strike is possible in your vicinity. The agency recommends seeking shelter immediately and refraining from using corded appliances or any equipment that requires contact with electrical systems.
And if no safe shelter is available, NWS says you can only slightly reduce your risk of being struck by avoiding a common mistake.
“Do NOT seek shelter under tall, isolated trees or partially enclosed structures,” the agency said. “Ensure that you are familiar with the latest weather forecast for your area. If thunderstorms are possible or expected, curtail your outdoor activities during that time, or ensure that you have constant access to a sturdy, fully enclosed shelter, such as a home or business.”
