A typical cloud-to-ground lightning bolt begins when a step-like series of negative charges races downward from the bottom of a storm-cloud toward the Earth at about 300 000 km/h. When the lowermost step comes within 46 meters of a positively charged object, it is met by a climbing surge of positive electricity, called a streamer. When the two connect, an electrical current flows as negative charges fly down the channel towards earth and a visible flash of lightning streaks upward at 300 million km/h, transferring electricity as lightning in the process. (https://on.natgeo.com/2IVWNvW)