Longest Lightning Strike Ever Recorded
The longest lightning strike ever recorded in the U.S. was called a “megaflash.” It stretched 515 miles on October 22, 2017. And, it was a world record. It spanned from eastern Texas to Kansas City, lasting about 7.4 seconds. This lightning was discovered by satellite analysis data. This discovery highlighted the potential of using satellites for studying weather.
Megaflashes are often associated with long thunderstorms known as Mesoscale Convective Systems. It is not just one storm, but several of them together stretching across 5 US states. The places include: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas, then ending near Kansas City, Missouri. These types of lightning strikes can often be connected from cloud to earth producing a ground strike.
Most people do not realize how far lightning can reach and how dangerous they are. The more you are educated on it, the more likely you are to go inside when you hear thunder. It doesn’t matter if the storm looks super far away. If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to get hit. When many underestimate the distance of lightning, it can lead to risky actions being performed, such as being outside.
Residents are informed of safety protocols that are suggested while in a storm. They are more likely to follow the guide if it is being sent to them. This is vital information if people are going out to camp or hiking when it is a gloomy day. Even if it doesn’t rain, there is still a potential for lightning and ground strikes. It is always beneficial to check the weather data before going out!
How Can I Stay Safe?
A golden rule of lightning is “When thunder roars, go indoors.” When you hear thunder, it is crucial to go inside even if you cannot see it. It might not be visible, but your area is still prone to ground strikes! Make sure to find safe shelters such as a house with a closed roof or a vehicle with all windows rolled up. Also, avoid unsafe buildings like sheds as they don’t provide water or lightning protection.
Electricity can travel through electrical cable phones, concrete floors or walls, and plumbing systems. Even if you do not think concrete can transmit energy, they are made with metal wires in the ground that can. It is crucial to avoid areas that electricity can pass through if you are seeking shelter in a building. Even after the storm has passed, it is beneficial to keep away from these areas for at least 30 minutes. This is to ensure that the storm has completely moved out of your area.
Works Sited
“Lightning Safety.” American Meteorological Society, 2 Aug. 2024, https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/about-ams/ams-statements/statements-of-the-ams-in-force/lightning-safety/.
“Lightning Safety Outdoors.” Travelers, https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/thunderstorms/lightning-safety-outdoors.
“New ‘Megaflash’ Lightning Record Set, Could Provide Severe Storm Insights.” Georgia Tech Research Institute, 30 July 2025, https://www.gtri.gatech.edu/newsroom/new-megaflash-lightning-record-set-could-provide-severe-storm-insights.
“NOAA Satellites Help Certify World’s Longest Lightning Flash.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 31 July 2025, https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/noaa-satellites-help-certify-worlds-longest-lightning-flash.
“World Meteorological Organization Certifies Megaflash Lightning Record over USA.” World Meteorological Organization, https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/wmo-certifies-megaflash-lightning-record-usa.
Zang, Rachel. “New Lightning ‘Megaflash’ Record Is a Sign of the Times.” CNN, 31 July 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/31/weather/megaflash-lightning-record-climate.