Almost 500-mile-long lightning bolt crossed three US states

lightning strike

NEW YORK -

An almost 500-mile long bolt of lightning that lit up the sky across three US states has set a new world record for longest flash, scientists have confirmed.

The lightning bolt, extended a total of 477.2 miles (768 km) and spread across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

The previous record was 440.6 miles (709 km) and recorded in Brazil in 2018.

Lightning rarely extends over 10 miles and usually lasts under a second.

Another lightning flash recorded in 2020 - in Uruguay and Argentina - has also set a new record for duration at 17.1 seconds. The previous record was 16.7 seconds.

"These are extraordinary records from lightning flash events," Professor Randall Cerveny, the WMO's rapporteur of weather and climate extremes, said.

According to the WMO, both records took place in areas prone to intense storms that produce 'megaflashes', namely the Great Plains region of the United States and the La Plata basin of South America's southern cone.

Professor Cerveny added that greater extremes are likely to exist and are likely to be recorded in the future thanks to advances in space-based lightning detection technology.

The WMO warned that lightning was a hazard and urged people in both regions and around the world to take caution during storms.

"These extremely large and long-duration lightning events were not isolated but happened during active thunderstorms," lightning specialist Ron Holle said in a WMO statement.

"Any time there is thunder heard, it is time to reach a lightning-safe place".

Previously accepted WMO 'lightning extremes' include a 1975 incident in which 21 people were killed by a single flash of a lightning as they huddled inside a tent in Zimbabwe.

In another incident, 469 people were killed when lightning struck the Egyptian town of Dronka in 1994, causing burning oil to flood the town.

The WMO notes that the only lightning-safe locations are "substantial" buildings with wiring and plumbing, rather than structures such as bus stops or those found at beaches.

Fully enclosed metal-topped vehicles are also considered reliably safe.

Related News

blue sky transmission line

Duke Energy Florida to build its largest battery storage projects yet

ST. PETERSBURG - Duke Energy Florida (DEF) has announced three battery storage projects, totaling 22 megawatts, that will improve overall reliability and support critical services during power outages.

Duke Energy, the nation's largest electric utility, unveils its new logo. (PRNewsFoto/Duke Energy) (PRNewsfoto/Duke Energy)

Collectively, the storage facilities will enhance grid operations, increase efficiencies and improve overall reliability for surrounding communities.

They will also provide important backup generation during power outages, a service that is becoming increasingly important with the number and intensity of storms that have recently impacted the state.

As the grid manager and operator, DEF can maximize the versatility of battery technology…

READ MORE

Severe heat: 5 electricity blackout risks facing the entire U.S., not just Texas

READ MORE

coronavirus

BC Hydro launches program to help coronavirus-affected customers with their bills

READ MORE

europe energy crisis

Energy crisis is a 'wake up call' for Europe to ditch fossil fuels

READ MORE

powerline worker

Canada in top 10 for hydropower jobs, but doesn't rank on other renewables

READ MORE