Injuries caused by lightning from thunderstorms. Lightning strikes about 1,800 people per year in the United States. It is the cause of more deaths—anywhere from 100 to 450 each year—than any other weather hazard. Injuries can include severe burns, nervous system damage, broken bones, the cessation of heartbeat, and loss of hearing or eyesight. People holding onto metal objects, such as golf clubs or baseball bats, are at highest risk. Lightning injuries can be prevented by simple, common sense measures. If no shelter is available, a person should remove metal objects, crouch down in a ball position, and stay at least 15 feet away from other people. A person should not seek a tall tree to stand under during a lightning storm.