From similarity and differences of morphological, biochemical, cellular characteristics, biologist have constructed 'phylogenetic (evolutionary) trees' (who is most closely related to who, analogous to a family tree)
In the United States, lightning routinely kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts get the most attention, but only lightning can strike outside the storm itself. Lightning is the first thunderstorm hazard to arrive and the last to leave.
Thunderstorm Statistics. Severe thunderstorms are responsible for a significant number of injuries, fatalities and property damage claims across the United States every year. Lightning accounted for 23 fatalities, 145 injuries and $23.9 million in property damage. Tornadoes caused 55 fatalities, 756 injuries and $3,642.2 million in property damage.