Wow, talk about a serious flash. A single lightning bolt that lasted seven seconds and stretched 515 miles across five U.S. states has set a new world record for the longest flash ever recorded. Confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization, the “megaflash” actually occurred on October 22, 2017, traveling from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri. Why is it making headlines now? Scientists only recently confirmed its incredible length after they reanalyzed satellite data with improved detection tools such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-16 satellite.
Beyond the scientific implications, experts stress that this discovery is an important public safety reminder that lightning can pose a threat far from the center of a storm. Most lightning-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. happen before or after the peak of a storm, often because people go back outside too soon. The National Weather Service advises waiting 30 minutes after a storm passes before resuming any outdoor activities. Think you’re safe? Remember, this record-setting bolt travelled over 500 miles in seven seconds.
What would you do if you saw such a massive flash on the water? Getting struck by lightning on the water is rare, as Mike Telleria noted in this article on staying safe in a storm, but it does happen.
Read Next: How to Avoid Lightning Strikes While Boating
Hopefully, you’re constantly monitoring the weather while you’re out on the water and don’t get into a risky situation, but if you do, here are a few tips shared by our Editor-In-Chief Kevin Falvey:
Whatever you’re doing on the water, always put safety first.
