How much current can a lightning strike potentially carry?

A lightning strike is an intense discharge of electricity that can carry a massive current. The amount of current in a typical lightning strike can range widely, but it is commonly accepted that strikes can deliver currents anywhere between 30,000 to 300,000 amperes. The value provided in the correct answer reflects this understanding and represents a realistic upper limit.

Lightning strikes are capable of carrying extraordinarily high currents, and while various studies have indicated average values, peak currents in certain strikes have been observed to exceed even 200,000 amperes. This highlights the destructive potential of lightning and emphasizes the importance of grounding and lightning protection systems in structures.

In this context, the value of 200,000 A is a well-accepted figure that illustrates the extreme nature of lightning strikes and allows for an accurate representation of the conditions that structures and electronic systems may face during such events.