Supercell Setting the Sky Ablaze
Fiery-looking mammatus and anvil at sunset, captured while participating in the IOT&E2 field project. The anvil material is actually backsheared (forced back against the prevailing upper level flow) by its parent supercell, unseen to the right. [The same supercell earlier produced a brief funnel and several strongly rotating wall clouds, including this one.] Even when the day ends with no tornado -- and even when obligated to specific duties as part of official storm intercepts for government scientific programs -- moments like this allow for reflection on the awe of nature, and make all the day's travel utterly worthwhile.
5 E Roll OK (26 Apr 89) Looking NW