Sometimes, especially with heavy-precipitation and/or outflow-dominant storms, the most intricate and beautiful structures happen after the supercell stage. Such was true here, when a line-absorbed former supercell surged the entire complex forward, lifting layer upon layer over its cold pool in a deeply laminar, sometimes wavy pattern that still was convective down low. But for this storm’s … [Read more...]
Lightning Damage to Plastic-Lumber Bench
High upon the hiking trail overlooking Capulin's volcanic crater, a plastic-lumber bench sits partly busted and melted by a lightning flash. Fortunately, no one was sitting there at the time. The damage has been left alone by park personnel, with nearby interpretive sign using this event to advise of lightning safety on the mountain. Aside from the obvious scar on one of the boards, the … [Read more...]
We Had Cows
A High Plains supercell's main updraft area and wall cloud rose in elevation, turning leftward and losing its surface-based character atop a deepening pool of outflow from both itself and other storms in the background. Nevertheless, what remained of the storm made a beautiful backdrop aloft to a herd of curious Hereford and Angus cattle, who lines up neatly in cautious, distant inspection of … [Read more...]
Sunset Light on the 412 Barn
Fifteen years after first spotting and photographing this abandoned barn in the Oklahoma Panhandle, I’ve yearned to be there for a back-side, late-day storm scene. Consider that wish fulfilled, marvelously! We parked and waited out a line of thunderstorms, rightly figuring it would clear the scene just in time for a glorious “golden hour” and sunset, with the previous year's grass growth lit … [Read more...]
Haboob Highway
An outflow-surfing supercell merger surged eastward down I-70 and only a bit less than the speed limit, allowing us only a few minutes per exit to get out, admire and photograph. After a few other stops, we noticed deep, warm sunset light penetrating the southern part of the storm complex, while a severe haboob continued. This was far from the first "windbag" storm cluster that chased me down … [Read more...]
Painted Ground and Sky
Above and beyond a roadside cluster of brilliant Indian paintbrush flowers, the sunset painted mammatus clouds on the back side of a storm complex. It was the ideal way to cap a somewhat convoluted but photographically fruitful chase day that began with an initial stop just outside downtown Oklahoma City. Rush Springs OK (8 May 26) Looking NNE 34.77, -97.9605 … [Read more...]
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