Florida lightning activity surges 28% above average

State of play: Lightning activity across the state is up 28% over the 10-year average, per the Post report, citing data from the National Lightning Safety Council.

• That's in a state that already typically sees more lightning than most places in the U.S.

Threat level: Florida often leads the nation in lightning deaths, and that remains the case so far this year, per Lightning Safety Council data.

• Four have occurred in the last month, the Post report notes.
• That includes Steve Matheson, a father of four from Utah who was struck Aug. 29 while riding a jet ski off the coast of Fort De Soto, WTSP reported.

Between the lines: Only about 10% of lightning strike victims die, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but survivors can experience short- and long-term health effects.

What they're saying: "I couldn't move my limbs. I couldn't respond the way I wanted to. … Then, I was in the worst pain of my life, " strike survivor Aaron Walenga told the West Orange Times.

• Walenga and his wife, Clare, were struck Sept. 2 during an evening walk in Winter Garden.
• They both suffered from brain bleeds, and Clare Walenga experienced short-term memory loss. Aaron also had fractured eye sockets, a broken nose and cuts on his face, the couple told Fox News.

The bottom line: Next time a storm is approaching, consider the Lightning Safety Council's motto: "When thunder roars, go indoors."