A lightening flash with a length of 768 kilometers (477 miles) is the longest ever recorded, while another with a duration of 17 seconds is the longest-lasting flash ever detected. The length and duration of these flashes are an important reminder of how far lightning can strike from its parent region.
Any time that you hear thunder, find a lightning-safe place, such as a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle. Lightning occurs with ALL thunderstorms.”
Source: New Scientist, February 1, 2022. Link.
Also see: Thunderstorm and lightning preparedness guide, Weather.gov. Link. Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer months during the afternoon and evening hours but they can occur year-round and at all hours.
INSIGHTS: Now is a good time to plan weather safety procedure reviews with staff members and teams. Remember to include customers in your planning.
To approximate the distance to a lightning strike:
- Count the seconds between the flash and the sound.
- Divide the seconds by 5 to get the distance in miles.