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Farmers’ Almanac’s crack staff captured this video this afternoon in the southeastern U.S.

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We are entering the most dangerous time of the year for thunderstorms. We have seen many severe storms in Oklahoma and Texas resulting in tornadoes. Thunderstorms are one weather event that we can manage in terms of deaths.

Thanks to John Jensenius of NOAA, here are interesting statistics about the number of deaths historically. There were 28 deaths in 17 states. The good news is that the average number of fatalities from such storms has dropped dramatically thanks to education and a series of policies surrounding sporting events. Here is an historical look at the number of deaths by months/ year. Even if the norm is 54 deaths, in the 1970s it was not unusual to have that number top 75 deaths.

Lightning Fatalities By Month

* To date

Locations – we know that Central Florida is the lightning capital of the world – most strikes. In 2013, there have been 5 lightning fatalities in the United States. Here is a breakdown of deaths this year to date by state:

IL – 2
MO – 1
LA – 1
TX – 1
FL – 1

Deaths are primarily males doing outdoor activities (golf, fishing, yard chores, etc.). In 2012 three women died, this year 3 out of the 5 recorded deaths are women. There are a number of things you can do to stay safe in a thunderstorm. Check out some of these safety tips we’ve offered in the past. Pay attention to impending weather. Remember that lightning bolts can travel 10 miles. A young girl playing soccer under clear skies was killed in recent years form a bolt that traveled miles.

Lightning doesn’t always strike and kill. Here is a link to our story about survivors for the 2012 Farmers’ Almanac. It is an interesting read and includes a gentleman who survived two strikes.

This has been a crazy spring for weather nationally – deadly storms, snow in the Midwest and some snow in Maine and N.H over the Memorial Day Weekend. When the sun shines, we all want to get outdoors and have fun. Be sure to follow our suggestions for safety during thunderstorms and enjoy all the summer has to offer.

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The creatures I despise more than any other on earth are black flies and mosquitoes. OK – there are thousands of spies that fall into this category but I hate them all equally.

This weekend I will head to my cottage to read Olympia Snowe’s Fighting for Common Ground. When I go outside, it will be with all the weapons at my disposal.

• I will apply bug repellent. I try to go non-Deet, but I do what I must …

• Black flies are attracted to dark colors, so I will wear all my whites.

• Bring a supply of drier sheets – put on waistline and wipe down the chairs

• Off® Clip-on. I use these in Haiti and they work like a charm. Turn the fan on and read in comfort.

Be sure to remove any water that is sitting in your immediate area – this is where mosquitoes breed. Black flies don’t come out at night, and neither black flies or mosquitoes will bother you when there is a delightful breeze. So another option is putting a fan near your chair.

I am ready. Hope you also enjoy the great outdoors this weekend!

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5. Ice cream. I’m not a huge ice cream fan, but there’s something special about going to the local ice cream joint in the summer to indulge in a soft serve cone, preferably with sprinkles. (My favorite is vanilla with rainbow sprinkles – what’s yours?)

4. Swimming. Sure you can swim inside year-round, but nothing beats a nice dip in the lake, pool or ocean on a hot summer day. It’s good exercise too!

3. Fresh produce. Good bye cucumbers that taste like cardboard and tomatoes that just add red to a salad. I can’t wait for homegrown produce, especially that Jersey corn in August.

2. No school schedules. For many of us with kids, the summer is a tad bit slower with no athletic or school schedules/paperwork to submit. Of course no school also means finding things for kids to do, but enjoy a little down time if you can.

1. Vacation. Yes summer is vacation time. Whether you stay close to the house, head out to the mountains or beach, I hope you find some time to enjoy the great outdoors and some time off from work and responsibilities this summer.

What do you look forward to as summer approaches?

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I have been connected to education in a number of ways all my life. I had positive experiences through my formative years. I have adopted Montello Elementary School, here in Lewiston, Maine, for 25 years and served two stints on the Maine State Board of Education. As with any business leader, I know that education is the fuel that runs our economy now and in the future. Education is also what makes all of us good citizens and members of a community.

I was once with the writer Stephen King at an event honoring Maine students a number of years ago. I asked him who made a difference in his life and he quickly mentioned a specific teacher who inspired him. At another event I asked Senator George Mitchell who made a difference in is life – again it was a teacher. The power of the profession is to inspire the best in all of us. Even those people we assume to be born with success went through the difficult lessons of life and were molded by parents, teachers, and coaches.

Events of the past few weeks have served as a powerful reminder of the importance of educators.

During the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, it was the principal and her staff who gave their lives to protect students. During the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are stories of the heroism of teachers covering students and teachers who comforted the children. I wonder just how I would react in such an emergency. It is good to know that those we entrust our children will do anything to enrich their minds and their lives.

National Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6 – 10th. Day-in and day-out, our nation of educators work to build citizens of and for the future. If you haven’t thanked a teacher, do so. It’s not too late. If you are a bright young person, consider making education your life’s work. It is truly rewarding!

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Days after we posted our condolences to victims of a string of tornadoes that claimed six lives in Northern Texas, another massive F5 tornado, a mile wide, ripped through the town of Moore, Oklahoma, killing 24 people and flattening everything in its path. Words can not express the depth of our sorrow for the many people there who have lost homes, family members, and friends.

I shared this information just the other day, after the Texas tornadoes, but it bears repeating: If you want to help the people of Moore, Oklahoma, you can make an online donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. If you prefer, you may donate over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by text message. Simply text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Finally, contributions can also be mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.

In our tornado season forecast for 2013, we predicted a heavy season of violent thunderstorms, with the possibility of a turbulent tornado season. If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, please read our tornado safety tips.

Many of you have probably already seen this video, which went viral earlier today. CBS News was interviewing this woman, Barbara Garcia of Moore, about the destruction of her home and the loss of her pet dog, when something miraculous happened. If you haven’t seen it, just watch, and be sure to have a box of tissues handy. After that, you can see more unbelievable videos of the aftermath of this tragedy here.

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Once again, we’re in the unfortunate position of having to express our sympathy to yet another group of people caught off guard by Mother Nature’s fury.

Six people were killed, and many others displaced, when a wave of 16 tornadoes ripped through northern Texas earlier this week, devastating homes leaving the land a barren wasteland.

Our hearts go out to the many people there who have lost homes, family members, and friends.

To help the people of Texas, you can make an online donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. If you prefer, you may donate over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by text message. Simply text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Finally, contributions can also be mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.

In the midst of this tragedy, a few storm chasers caught some unbelievable footage of the tornado in action. While most of us can’t relate to the unmasked jubilation they display here, there’s no denying that nature is awesome, in the literal sense of the word. The following video provides a small look at the fearsome power of nature.

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Yesterday was Mother’s Day. In anticipation of mom’s big day, we asked our readers on Friday, “What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you?”

The responses ranged from practical to funny to heartwarming. Here’s just a small sampling of what you said:

• My mom always told me to be true to myself!

• You can always come home.

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Earlier this week, my company put on our 25th Annual Night of the Stars for students at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. This is the night when we recognize the best writers among all students and do it in a glitzy Hollywood style. We have 500+ people from the community attend. My mother, Ann Geiger, has been to everyone over the years. At 91 years, she wouldn’t miss it for anything.

At the end of the event we were having a conversation about her son (me) and how, when I was in kindergarten, I cried every day while being dragged off to school. Out of frustration she finally asked the obvious question, “Why don’t you want to go to school?” My response was, “What’s so wrong with staying at home. I like it here.”

My mother, and all moms, have to deal with the trauma of children growing up. Well, I made it through kindergarten and all the other grades with some dignity, but I still like visit my mother. I like it there.

This weekend, we salute all the wonderful moms who do so much for us. Through all the good times and bad, we love you for your warmth and compassion. It is just what we need when we need it the most!

Happy Mother’s Day!