Brinkman Lightning

Near Brinkman OK, 2 Apr 1999.

Only a single strand of barbed wire lies in the way of a tornadic supercell's vault region, where severe winds, hail larger than a big man's fist, and incessant electrical activity mix in a cauldron of atmospheric violence. This exposure was less than five seconds. Only mature, cyclic supercells -- which are uniquely equipped to separate charge by means of their organized updraft rotation and vertical pressure gradient forces -- produce lightning so pervasive and continual throughout.

© Roger Edwards. All rights reserved.