About tthe first paragraph, that's exactly what it is doing.
> These electrons are zigzagging through the air as they meet paths of easier passage through the air--paths with a lower dielectric strength. Each stroke of a lightning strike is usually about 50 m (150 ft) long and lasts about 1 to 2 microseconds with a pause of about 50 microseconds before resuming another stroke in a slightly or significantly different direction.
> These electrons are zigzagging through the air as they meet paths of easier passage through the air--paths with a lower dielectric strength. Each stroke of a lightning strike is usually about 50 m (150 ft) long and lasts about 1 to 2 microseconds with a pause of about 50 microseconds before resuming another stroke in a slightly or significantly different direction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning#A_typical_Lightning_S...