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First, a cloud becomes negatively charged. It gradually builds up more and more electrons(they are negatively charged). Eventually, there are so many electrons in the cloud that the electrons on the ground get pushed away(like charges repel).
Soon, the ground is positively charged and the cloud is negatively charged. There is a huge bolt that is ready to go, but the air between the cloud and ground does not conduct electricity.
However, the huge charges in the cloud cause the air to be ionized, so it actually turns to plasma. Plasma is an EXCELLENT conductor of electricity.
Now, the ground and air make paths for the charge to travel through, called leaders. These are formed in short bursts, so they come out jagged. Then, the lightning has a wonderfully conductive area with the path cut out for it, so it shoots down at amazings speeds, with a huge amount of light, and about 100 million volts which can do extreme damage.