Critical Days of Summer Published June 24, 2013 By Ground Safety Office JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena-- lightning. In the United States, an average of 54 people are reported killed each year by lightning. In many parts of the world where Airmen are stationed, summer storms can seem to appear out of nowhere. In addition to lightning, tornadoes are another of nature's most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Wherever you are, being prepared and aware of the dangers of severe weather can protect you and your family. For more info: http://www.accuweather.com/en/features/summer-road-trips/road-trip-survival-recognizing/66609 http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/weather/safety/indoor-lightning-safety-tips http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/tornado-safety-tips/ http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes