Game delays for lightning may be annoying, but they save lives – a sports meteorologist explains the risk

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T13:31:02.726Z • Permanent link

Players, coaches, and officials are acutely aware of the risks associated with lightning during sports events. In 2019, a lightning strike at the St. Louis Cardinals' Busch Stadium injured two fans, highlighting the potential for devastating consequences. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the United States experiences an average of 47 lightning-related deaths and 400 injuries each year. The NWS attributes these fatalities to a combination of factors, including the unpredictability of lightning strikes and the failure of emergency response systems.

Lightning can strike with little warning, and the consequences can be catastrophic. In 2017, a lightning strike at the University of Miami's stadium injured 11 people, including several players and coaches. The incident led to changes in the stadium's emergency response procedures, including the installation of lightning detection systems and improved communication protocols.

Institutional leaders are taking steps to mitigate these risks. The National Football League (NFL) has implemented a comprehensive lightning safety plan, which includes regular weather monitoring and emergency response training for personnel. The plan also emphasizes the importance of player and fan safety, including the use of lightning-detection systems and evacuation procedures.

The impact of lightning on sports events extends beyond the immediate safety concerns. The risks associated with lightning can also have significant economic and social implications for affected companies and communities. The NFL, for example, has reported significant losses due to weather-related events, including a $100 million loss in 2012 following a tornado that damaged the Cowboys' stadium.

Research communities are also taking notice of the risks associated with lightning. A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that lightning strikes during sports events can have long-term effects on athletes' mental health and performance. The study's authors emphasized the need for further research into the psychological and physical impacts of lightning strikes on athletes.

The risks associated with lightning during sports events are not unique to the United States. In Australia, for example, lightning strikes are a common occurrence during rugby and cricket matches. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports that lightning strikes are more frequent during the summer months, when the risk of thunderstorms is highest.