Record-Breaking 515-Mile Lightning Flash Confirmed Over U.S.

Record-Breaking 515-Mile Lightning Flash Confirmed Over U.S.
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A lightning bolt that stretched 515 miles across parts of the U.S. has been confirmed as the longest ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The “megaflash” occurred on October 22, 2017, during a massive storm spanning from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, the WMO announced Thursday.

Megaflashes are rare, exceptionally long lightning events that typically form in regions with severe thunderstorms. This flash, which formed high in the atmosphere, was identified using advanced satellite technology not available at the time of the event.

The previous record was a 477-mile bolt from 2020. Experts believe even longer flashes may be discovered as detection methods improve. While megaflashes pose limited ground-level danger, WMO officials warn they can affect aviation and spark wildfires.