Lightning leaps from your outstretched hand toward a creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 lightning damage. 

The spell creates more than one arc when you reach higher levels: two arcs at 5th level, three arcs at 11th level, and four arcs at 17th level. You can direct the arcs at the same target or at different ones. Make a separate attack roll for each target.