WMO confirms record 515-mile lightning bolt over central U.S.

The World Meteorological Organization has confirmed a 515-mile lightning strike from 2017 as the longest ever recorded.

Friday, August 1st 2025, 4:51 am

By: Alan Crone

Credit: Associated Press

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released new information about a remarkable discovery involving a record-breaking lightning strike that occurred in 2017.

After a reanalysis of satellite data, scientists confirmed that a massive lightning flash stretched 515 miles, making it the longest lightning bolt ever recorded.

When and Where Did This Lightning Flash Occur?

This extraordinary flash occurred in October 2017 during a mesoscale convective system (MCS), which is a large cluster of thunderstorms, positioned over the central Plains, from eastern Texas to Missouri.

What Are Megaflashes and Why Are They Significant?

These rare lightning events, often referred to as "megaflashes," can branch out with multiple cloud-to-ground strikes. In this case, the flash lasted about seven seconds and triggered over 100 ground strikes.

How Was the Lightning Record Confirmed?

The WMO has now officially certified this event as the new world record, surpassing the previous record of a 477-mile lightning strike identified in 2020. The discovery was made possible through advanced reanalysis using data from the GOES-16 satellite, which features high-resolution lightning-mapping technology.Image Provided By: GOES-16 GLM Flash Extent and ABI Cloud Imagery with ENTLN Cloud to Ground Strikes

How Rare Are Megaflashes?

Megaflashes are extremely rare, according to the WMO. Fewer than 1% of thunderstorms produce these types of lightning events.

Lightning Safety a Major Concern

Lightning, of course, poses serious safety concerns. In just the past year, we've seen several lightning-related incidents across northern and eastern Oklahoma. Recently, a woman near Eufaula was tragically killed by lightning:

And on July 29, another person lost their life after being struck by lightning near Lake Texoma:

Many may also remember an intense lightning event on the evening of Monday, May 26th, in Tulsa, when a massive single bolt shook homes and was heard across the metro.

Remember our safety statement regarding lightning:

When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning can strike from miles away, even without rain in your immediate area. Stay inside a sturdy building or vehicle, and avoid open fields, tall trees, and metal objects when thunderstorms are nearby.

Alan Crone

An integral part of the News On 6 Weather Team since 2006, Alan Crone keeps Oklahomans safe and informed about morning weather each weekday on Six in the Morning. He’s always keeping an eye on the sky for both severe weather and just weather that’s going to make your day a bit more interesting.