Lightning Strikes on the Rise in Oklahoma

The number of lightning strikes in Oklahoma has increased this year as a result of frequent thunderstorms.

In Oklahoma City alone, the number of structure fires from lightning has more than tripled this year compared to last year.

In Mulhall last week, a lightning strike destroyed Lucille’s Restaurant and heavily damaged a building built in 1893 that is part of the restaurant.

According to the National Weather Service, Oklahoma ranks third in the nation for total lightning strikes per square mile. From 1996 to 2008, the state averaged about 1 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year.

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com