Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Severe thunderstorms could bring hail and gusty winds to Western Massachusetts Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Franklin County Tuesday afternoon that lasts into the 5 o’clock hour.

On Tuesday at 7:11 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning valid until 8:15 p.m. for Clinton, Franklin and St. Lawrence counties.