A Midwest ‘megaflash’ is the longest lightning on record

A lightning bolt spanning 829 kilometers from Dallas to Kansas City in October 2017 set a new record, surpassing the previous one by 120 kilometers and lasting 7.39 seconds. This "megaflash" produced over 100 ground strikes. Such rare events occur in approximately 1 in 1,000 thunderstorms across the Americas and can trigger wildfires. Researchers are investigating these massive bolts to comprehend their formation and effects, as they can impact large populations across extensive areas.