According to theWorld Meteorological Organization, this incredible megaflash beat theprevious recordby nearly 70 kilometers (43.5 miles).
This extreme weather event is one of two record-setting incidents announced by the UN organization.
The megaflash occurred on April 29, 2020 in an area of the United States known for powerful storms.
Photo: Lappoa/Depositphotos
According to WMO, the flash covered a horizontal distance of 768 kilometers (477.2 miles).
The lightning bolt was so long that it stretched across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
The previous record-holder was a lightning bolt in Brazil that measured 700 kilometers (440 miles).
That incident occurred in 2018 and was more than double the previous record holder.
The increased length of these megaflashes is a clear signal that weather is shifting toward extremes.
WMO also announced a second world record, this time for the greatest duration of a single flash.
This beat the previous record from 2019, which was also in Argentina, by 0.37 seconds.
Lightning is a major hazard that claims many lives every year.
This means a building with substantial wiring and plumbing, not a beach or a bus stop.
If that isn’t available, the second-best option is a fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle.
