Federal authorities are investigating a flurry of more than 20 laser strikes on aircraft across the country overnight because pilots can be temporarily blinded by the lights. The number of laser strikes was already on a record pace this year, despite harsher penalties adopted in recent years.

Three laser strikes were reported to the Federal Aviation Administration in the New York City area. Another three were reported by jet crews landing at Dallas Love Field.

In addition, laser strikes were reported to FAA in Jamestown, N.Y.; Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Ontario and Sacramento, Calif.; Covington and Danville, Ky.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Albuquerque, N.M.; Detroit, Mich.; St. Petersburg, Fla., Springfield, Ill. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Read the article “With New Flurry Overnight, Laser Strikes on Aircraft Hit Record Pace” on usatoday.com.