'Super Bolt' Lightning Strike Hits Oklahoma On Memorial Day Night

Heat lightning can be quite a beautiful sight, but there is always a risk of the show getting too close for comfort. Especially since Oklahoma is one of the states known for having a higher chance of being struck by the powerful bolt. But, folks in Tulsa, Oklahoma got a different kind of "up-close-and-personal" experience last night, Monday, May 26, 2025.

Chief Meteorologist Mike Collier shared news of a rare phenomenon that, apparently, isn't something we want to see often. A unique "super bolt" struck Tulsa just after 10 p.m., but it was no secret to the people nearby.

"If your windows shook or your dog bolted under the bed, that was it. Nature showing off right over Tulsa," he said. "You do not see these often. Or want to."

What is a super bolt lightning strike?

A super bolt lightning strike is an unusually powerful lightning strikes that are 1,000 times stronger than the average lightning strike, according to science.org. Despite the fact that we usually see heat lightning during the summer, powerful super bolts typically happen in the winter time. So the fact we saw this blast of energy just at the brink of summer is fascinating, but is it in a good way?

We are unsure, since scientists still don't understand what causes super bolts and why they strike why or where they do. Currently, according to science.org, "researchers are turning to sunspots and cosmic rays for an explanation," but there isn't a "for sure" answer.

What was Oklahoma's super bolt lightning strike like?

Last night's superbolt was recorded at 228,000 amps, which categorized the strike as a "wild house shaker," according to The Kansas City Star. Many folks in the area were worried about an explosion, earthquake or incredibly intense thunder during the storm. Luckily, no one has been reported to have been injured by the strike.

But that doesn't mean we're out of the ball park for being at risk by being struck. Check out why Oklahomans have a higher chance of being struck by lightning here.

Oklahoma's Sooner-Six Skyscrapers

When it comes to the topic of skyscrapers and Oklahoma, the details are a little muddy. If you were to search "Oklahoma skyscrapers" online, it'll likely return a list of thirty tall Sooner State buildings, but while all skyscrapers are high-rises, not all high-rises are skyscrapers.

The modern-day definition of a skyscraper is based almost entirely on height. To be considered, a building must be at least 492 feet tall above ground level... Oklahoma has plenty of tall buildings around the state, but only the Sooner-Six qualifies by definition.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

The Ten Most Tornado-Prone Counties in America

When it comes to the topic of tornadoes, Oklahoma is universally known around the world for producing some of the biggest, including the last F6 ever measured... but it'd probably surprise most Okies that the Sooner State doesn't even crack the top five of the most tornado-prone counties in America.

Gallery Credit: Kelso