Jefferson City, Missouri – As winter brings a break from frequent thunderstorms, Missouri officials are reflecting on a sobering statistic from 2025, when one person in the state lost their life after being struck by lightning.
According to the National Weather Service and the National Lightning Safety Council, 21 people nationwide were killed by lightning in 2025, making it the deadliest year since 2019. Missouri’s fatality occurred during an outdoor activity, consistent with national data showing lightning deaths most often happen when people remain exposed as storms develop.
No lightning-related deaths were reported in the Jefferson City area in 2025, but officials stress that risk returns quickly once warmer weather arrives. Missouri regularly experiences strong spring and summer thunderstorms, particularly across central and southern parts of the state, where lightning can strike well ahead of heavy rain.
Emergency managers encourage residents to use the winter months to prepare for 2026. If thunder can be heard, even faintly, people should move indoors immediately to a substantial building or enclosed vehicle. Open fields, isolated trees, elevated terrain, and bodies of water significantly increase the risk of being struck, and outdoor activity should not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
State officials say reinforcing lightning safety habits now is critical to preventing future tragedies when Missouri’s next storm season arrives.
