| 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 | |
| Licensing | A rights-managed license to use this photo is available. View licensing information Send an e-mail requesting a quote | |
| Model Release | No, but a release may not be required for this photo. | |
| Questions | Send an e-mail asking a question about this photo. |