Precise example of connectivity between earth and built-up cloud discharge(s) with branches of discharge into the atmosphere during strike. Please keep in mind that most individual lightning discharges occur within a maximum of 2-8 millionths of a second. At the ground-cloud-instant there is a "channel" within which the dispersement of electrical energy takes place and further details can be reviewed here [id=321503663] It is important to keep in mind that as many as 40 lightning discharges can take place within the same columnar of air. This occurance can be within as short of a duration of 1/1000th of a second. Given the repeated high level of energy dispersed much damage can occur to electrical equipment and other premises given the substantial duration. Lightning arrestors continue to do their job as long as the voltage and duration can "clamp" the stroke. Otherwise they fail and other protective equipment must come into operation before valuble transmission and distribution gear become affected.

Lightning strokes to the human eye visibily appear (within a couple seconds or less) compared to their much shorter electrical discharge (2-8 millionths of a second) owing to the super-heated air illuminating the columnar of air within the stroke taking place. Such energy is known to be hotter than the surface of the sun.