Jamaica Lightning Occurrence, Damage, and Casualties

Lightning over the Caribbean, and Jamaica in particular, has received minimal attention until recently. Locations of Jamaica lightning from a global detection network from 2017–2021 show greater stroke densities over the interior than along the coasts. Nearly all lightning occurs from May through October, and from 1200 to 1800 EST. The resulting impacts are considered by summarizing two damaged buildings, two sports delays, and 18 human casualty reports resulting in 16 deaths and 39 injuries from 2005 through 2021. Jamaica lightning casualties are most often males between 10 and 29 years old, occur between June and October, and in the afternoon. Being near trees, farming, playing soccer, and seeking safety inside small structures are recurring scenarios.