A high pitched whine ramps up at the casters location.  When it reaches its peak a crackling bolt of lightning arcs toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 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 beams at the same target or at different ones. Make a separate attack roll for each arc.