Weather facts & stats

Question 1

Over the last 10 years, which weather hazard has killed the most people per year in the U.S. on average?

Accepted Answer

Heat, about 279 deaths a year. Heat's 10-year average far outpaces floods (118), rip currents (76) and tornadoes (51).

Question 2

How many weather-related deaths did the National Weather Service record in the U.S. in 2025?

Accepted Answer

645 (preliminary). Floods were the deadliest hazard in 2025 with 230 deaths. The 10-year average is 658 weather deaths a year.

Question 3

How many people died from floods in the U.S. in 2025, according to the National Weather Service?

Accepted Answer

230. That was nearly double the 10-year average of 118 flood deaths per year.

Question 4

About what share of people struck by lightning are killed?

Accepted Answer

only about 10%. Around 90% survive, though often with various degrees of disability.

Question 5

What are the estimated odds of being struck by lightning in your lifetime (80 years) in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

1 in 15,300. The odds in any single year are about 1 in 1.2 million, but they add up over a lifetime.

The basics