This map sure alters my perception of severe weather events. High winds account for more than half of all severe weather and the Front Range in Colorado clearly marks the dividing line between the eastern US with lots of severe weather and western US with very little severe weather. This map makes it pretty clear that few of the injuries resulting from high winds are reported in the news. I also notice that the Front Range has one of the highest concentrations in the US of hail storms with hail > 2". The map does not show lightning but here's a separate map for that.
Colorado ranks in the top 10 in the US for the number of people killed and injured by lightning despite having a relatively low population and a moderate amount of flash activity. On a per capita basis, Colorado ranks 4th in the US. There are two main reasons that Colorado has an above-average incidence of lightning victims. 15 million people a year visit Colorado and a majority are here for outdoor activities. Many are first time visitors and aren't aware that being on peaks or other exposed high points in the Rockies when clouds are present increases the risk of being struck.
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