If you had to take a stab at guessing the length of the longest recorded lightning bolt, what would you guess? 50 miles? 100 miles? Nice try, but you aren't even half way there!

The flash that set the record happened during a series of thunderstorms that rolled through the United States in April of 2020. CBS2 points out that a lightning bolt normally doesn't stretch much over 10 miles in length. But the new world record stretched much farther. Try 477 miles long. That's right, this single lightning bolt stretched so far it covered the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi!


CBS2 reports

CBS2 reports that these two occurrences are both described as 'megaflashes'. The records were spotted and eventually confirmed thanks to new satellite tracking technology.

Want to keep up to date with the latest in local and music news? Download our app! It's completely free and not only will you be the first to know about breaking news, but we'll also keep you updated on concerts and other events coming to the area. You'll also have exclusive opportunities to win tickets. What are you waiting for? Get the free app today.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

More From 104-5 KDAT