Winds Of Fortune? Falling Tree Barely Misses Dog Walker

Falling trees during storms is an underrated danger, claiming dozens of lives in the U.S. each year.

One early spring afternoon in April 2025, Matthew Collins and his son, Matthew Collins Jr. were enjoying a round of golf near Columbus, Georgia.

Thunderstorms developed and moved in, as they often do in the South in spring.

The men took cover from the storm in their golf cart under a tree. But that was no shelter, as the thunderstorm's winds toppled the tree on top of them, killing both father and son.

It's just one of many tragic stories we see around tree falls every year.

By The Numbers

In 2025, 34 people were killed in the U.S. by trees or branches felled by high winds, including from thunderstorms, but not tornadoes, according to NOAA's Storm Data database. That's more than lightning deaths in 2025.

That's consistent with a previous study that found an average of 31 deaths each year in the U.S. from wind-related tree falls from 1995-2007.

Nineteen of those 34 deaths occurred in vehicles. Another eight deaths occurred out in the open, three occurred in a mobile or manufactured home, two occurred in a single-family home, one in a tent, and the other death wasn't specified in the database.

Another 101 people were injured by fallen trees in high winds.

There were 91 separate events of tree falls causing either at least one injury or death in 2025. At least one event happened in 35 states from California and Oregon to Maine to Florida and Puerto Rico.

(MORE: 15 Severe Weather Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life)

In 2025, there were over 17,000 reports of thunderstorm high winds or thunderstorm wind damage in the U.S., according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center. In general, winds over 60 mph, which are common in severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, hurricanes and nor'easters, are capable of downing trees.

It Doesn't Take A Tornado Or Hurricane

Tree damage can occur with many different types of weather, from tornadoes and hurricanes to heavy, wet snow and ice storms.

Tornadoes often down numerous trees, sometimes on homes and vehicles. In 2024, 61 of 65 wind-related deaths from Hurricane Helene in the U.S. were from falling trees, according to the National Hurricane Center.

But those cases are more attention-grabbing weather events, during which most people are already on high alert for dangerous weather.

The 91 events in 2025 we alluded to earlier were either from thunderstorm winds or high winds without any rain or snow falling at all.

And some tree falls can happen with rather modest winds, especially if the ground is soaked. One deadly tree fall in San Diego on Christmas Eve 2025 happened with gusts only to 40 mph.

It's these scenarios which don't "seem like a storm" that can surprise us, sometimes in the worst possible way.

How To Stay Safe

There are several things people can do to help avoid tragedies from falling trees, regardless of where you live or what time of year it is.

First, take a look at the trees around your property.

If you notice a tree leaning, particularly toward your home, have it removed immediately. Finding and removing an unhealthy or leaning tree that could fall in a storm is a much better option than the danger and damage from a fall onto your home, much less the deductible and likely higher premiums from your homeowner's policy.

If you're not sure if a tree is healthy, have a certified arborist inspect the trees around your home at least once a year.

In general, take both severe thunderstorm warnings and high wind warnings from the National Weather Service seriously.

Seek shelter in a severe thunderstorm warning just as you would a tornado warning.

If you live in a two-story home, condo or apartment surrounded by tall trees, consider either sleeping or at least just hanging out on a lower floor or basement during the high wind threat. Large trees can crash right through a home, including your second-floor bedroom while you're sleeping.

If possible, avoid driving during a high wind threat. If you are driving and encounter high winds, seek shelter in a substantial, sturdy building as soon as possible and avoid driving on roads and streets with extensive tree cover.

Falling trees and lightning are my two biggest weather fears.

Staying alert to the potential for strong winds, maintaining the trees on your property, seeking safe shelter and avoiding driving can keep you safe the next time strong winds blast your area.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.