Lightning strike that stretched from Texas to Missouri was longest in history

Why it matters: Lightning strikes can create dazzling displays in the sky, but they also cause fires and affect planes.

• The new record highlights why early warning systems for hazardous weather, floods and other climate events are crucial for public safety, per the World Meteorological Organization.

The latest: The organization is pushing for early warning systems to be universally available by the end of 2027.

• "Lightning is a source of wonder but also a major hazard that claims many lives around the world every year," the organization says.
• The Great Plains region, including parts of North and East Texas, is a hot spot for thunderstorms that create "extraordinary megaflashes."

Context: The WMO says advanced satellite technology has made it possible to analyze storms like the one recorded on Oct. 22, 2017.

• The strike was 515 miles long, extending from eastern Texas to near Kansas City.

Flashback: The previous record was a 477-mile strike recorded in the southern U.S. on April 29, 2020.