Florida Woman Struck By Lightning While Mowing Lawn

Lightning strike in Florida.

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — On Sunday evening, just before 7 p.m., Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) responded to Ridge Manor where a woman was struck by lightning while mowing a lawn, WFLA reported.

Engine 8 and Rescue 8 arrived at the scene to find the victim in cardiac arrest.

HCFR crews immediately initiated Advanced Life Support treatment and successfully resuscitated the patient during transport to a local hospital. No further details on the patient’s condition have been released at this time, HCFR posted on Facebook.

HCFR is urging the public to take lightning safety seriously, reminding residents that “when thunder roars, head indoors.” Lightning can strike several miles from a thunderstorm, and officials recommend staying indoors for at least 30 minutes after a storm passes to avoid potential danger.

Central Florida, known as “Lightning Alley,” sees the highest lightning strike density in the U.S., with up to 76 strikes per square mile in 2024. The region, spanning from Tampa Bay to Daytona Beach, is prone to frequent thunderstorms from May to October due to its warm, moist climate and converging sea breezes.

Florida leads the nation in lightning-related deaths, with nearly 500 fatalities since 1960 and five of the 12 U.S. lightning deaths in 2024.

The National Weather Service urges residents and visitors to seek shelter in a substantial building or enclosed metal-topped vehicle at the sound of thunder, as lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.