Lightning heats the surrounding air to 50,000 degrees. This causes a rapid expansion of the air which produces thunder. A lightning stroke also contains an enormous amount of electricity, enough to supply power to several homes for a month. The heat and electricity pose the greatest risk to the individual. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors.
Lightning also causes many fires in Colorado.
Colorado ranks 11th in the U.S. in both injuries and deaths caused by lightning. Tornado Facts Tornadoes have been reported 9 months of the year, and the peak season for tornadoes extends from mid May through mid August. June is by far the month with the most recorded tornadoes. They also occur statewide, but by far the largest number develop in eastern Colorado to the east of Interstate 25. Since 1950 the two counties with the most tornadoes have been Weld and Adams.