Mesocyclone and Lightning - Dumas, Texas
Mesocyclone and Lightning - Dumas, Texas

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Caption   In this photo of a tornadic supercell thunderstorm near Dumas, Texas, a bright lightning bolt strikes to the right of the storm's mesocyclone. The mesocyclone, a common feature of severe thunderstorms, is a rotating updraft where warm air from the surrounding area is drawn into the storm. The lightning bolt is in the visual vault, a relatively rain-free area located between a storm's updraft and downdraft.
Photo Id   w4164-2f74-3fe9c
Date and Time   May 18, 2010   6:57 PM
Location   Dumas, Texas
latitude 35° 49' 27.4" N       longitude 101° 38' 8.1" W
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