The April 29, 2020 witnessed one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the United States. However, almost two years had to pass before the magnitude of the event could be measured thanks to the data provided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The aforementioned body, whose responsibility is to achieve cooperation between the various meteorological organizations of the world, revealed that a ray of approx. 768 kilometers in length could be seen in three states of the North American country. Specifically: Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Its surprising size, in fact, allows it to be classified as the largest lightning bolt ever recorded Worldwide. Previously, the “record” belonged to lightning witnessed in Brazil; its length was extended to 709 kilometers on October 21, 2018.
However, the record for the longest lightning strike, at 17.1 seconds, still belongs to Uruguay and northern Argentina. That is, the World Meteorological Organization records two separate records depending on its length and duration.
The lightning strike in the US originated from an electrical storm
Obviously, what happened in the United States is not a common phenomenon. This is also recognized by Professor Randall Cerveny, rapporteur of extreme weather and climate events of the World Meteorological Organization. Cerveny also took advantage of his intervention to highlight that The measurement of this type of events has been made possible thanks to technological advances:
“Extreme environmental events are measurements of the power of nature, as well as of scientific progress to be able to make such assessments. It is likely that even greater extremes still exist, and that we may be able to observe them as lightning detection technology improves.”
Randall Cerveny
For his part, Ron Holle, an expert in the study of lightning and also a member of the WMO, said that the event recorded in the United States was due to a thunderstorm. “These extremely large and long-duration lightning events were not isolated, but occurred during active thunderstorms.”
Holle himself advises that people should protect themselves from lightning whenever possible. This can be in completely closed buildings or structures, never open. “Every time you hear thunder, it’s time to go to a safe place to protect yourself”commented.