Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island officials are using the quieter winter months to reinforce lightning safety awareness after 21 people across the United States were killed by lightning in 2025, the highest annual total since 2019.
According to the National Weather Service and the National Lightning Safety Council, most lightning fatalities last year occurred during outdoor activities, including boating, beach outings, sports, and outdoor work. While Rhode Island is smaller in size, officials stress that the state’s dense population, coastline, and summer tourism can increase exposure when thunderstorms develop quickly.
Lightning risk in Rhode Island rises from late spring through summer, especially during afternoon and evening storms that move in from the west or develop along sea-breeze boundaries. Beaches, marinas, athletic fields, and outdoor festivals are among the locations where people are most vulnerable if storms approach without warning.
Emergency management leaders say preparation before storm season is key. If thunder is heard anywhere in the state, residents should move indoors immediately to a substantial building or enclosed vehicle. Open areas, isolated trees, metal structures, and all bodies of water significantly increase lightning danger, even if skies are not yet dark.
Officials say lightning safety outreach will increase as warmer weather approaches, with the goal of ensuring Rhode Island residents are ready to act quickly and avoid becoming part of next year’s statistics.
