The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) confirmed the strike stretched 829 kilometres from eastern Texas to Kansas City.
It beat the previous record by 61 kilometres.
“Lightning is both an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and a significant danger that results in numerous fatalities globally each year,” stated WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
“The latest research underscores critical safety issues related to electrified clouds, which are capable of generating lightning that covers vast distances. This is especially concerning for the aviation industry and the potential to ignite wildfires.”
A megaflash storm can project lightning bolts hundreds of kilometers from their starting point, leaving people unknowingly exposed to the risk of being within the danger area.
It can unleash five to seven ground strikes on average.
“Current lightning safety guidance is not always sufficient to mitigate megaflash hazards.”
