By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – This is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Safety officials and meteorologists are asking state residents to be careful when storms approach. The National Weather Service office in Birmingham reports 102 Alabamians have died from lightning strikes since 1959. That ranks 12th in the nation. Meteorologists say lightning can strike up to ten miles from the main area of a thunderstorm. They also say if you can hear thunder, you're in danger of being hit by lightning. July is the month with the most casualties from lightning strikes.