Record-Breaking Lightning Bolt
Introduction to Megaflash Lightning
A massive bolt of lightning that flashed across the sky from Texas to Missouri has captured a new world record. The 515-mile bolt stretched from East Texas to near Kansas City, Mo., a roughly eight-hour distance by car, according to the World Meteorological Organization. In comparison, the average bolt of lightning measures less than 10 miles, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday, the World Meteorological Organization, part of the United Nations, announced it had certified the “megaflash” as the longest lightning flash on record. “We call it megaflash lightning, and we’re just now figuring out the mechanics of how and why it occurs,” Randy Cerveny, a professor of geographical sciences at Arizona State University who works with the agency, said in a statement.
Understanding Megaflash Lightning
The lightning struck Oct. 22, 2017, during a severe storm that hit a large swath of the country, from Texas to Iowa. It beat the previous record, a 477-mile bolt during an April 2020 storm in the southern U.S. Scientists used space-based instruments to measure the bolt, which they discovered while re-evaluating satellite data. The findings were detailed in a study published Thursday in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.
It’s not surprising the bolt hit Texas, which receives the most lightning strikes in the U.S, according to meteorological data firm Vaisala Xweather. In 2024, over 40 million lightning bolts shot across the Texas sky, far more than in any other state. Florida, with 15 million strikes, was second, and Oklahoma, with 13 million, was third. Texas’ location, humidity and size make it a lightning hotspot.
How Thunderstorms Produce Lightning
Thunderstorms thrive on moisture and rapidly rising warm air, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning is essentially a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air or ground. When a lightning bolt reaches beyond 60 miles, it is considered a megaflash. Fewer than 1% of thunderstorms produce megaflash lightning, according to the report.
Scientists said it’s likely even longer megaflashes will emerge in coming years, particularly as satellite technology improves. This is because scientists are still learning about the mechanisms behind megaflash lightning and how to better track and measure these events.
Dangers of Lightning
Lightning kills 20 to 30 people each year in the U.S. and injures hundreds more. Most injuries occur before and after the thunderstorm has peaked, not at the height of the storm, Cerveny said. “That’s why you should wait at least a half an hour after a thunderstorm passes before you go out and resume normal activities,” he said in the statement. “The storm that produces a lightning strike doesn’t have to be over the top of you.”
This warning is crucial because lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away, and the storm may still be producing lightning even if it appears to have passed. By waiting for a safe amount of time, individuals can reduce their risk of being struck by lightning.
Conclusion
The record-breaking lightning bolt that stretched from Texas to Missouri is an impressive example of the power of nature. As scientists continue to study and learn more about megaflash lightning, we may uncover even more remarkable examples of this phenomenon. By understanding how thunderstorms produce lightning and taking necessary precautions, we can reduce the risks associated with these events and appreciate the awe-inspiring displays of lightning from a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is megaflash lightning?
A: Megaflash lightning refers to a lightning bolt that reaches beyond 60 miles in length. These events are rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of thunderstorms.
Q: Where did the record-breaking lightning bolt occur?
A: The record-breaking lightning bolt occurred from East Texas to near Kansas City, Mo., covering a distance of approximately 515 miles.
Q: How many people are killed by lightning each year in the U.S.?
A: According to the available data, lightning kills 20 to 30 people each year in the U.S. and injures hundreds more.
Q: What should I do after a thunderstorm passes?
A: It is recommended to wait at least a half an hour after a thunderstorm passes before resuming normal activities to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
