“In case of a thunderstorm, stand in the middle of the fairway and hold up a one iron. Not even God can hit a one iron.” Lee Trevino, six-time major champion and 29-time PGA Tour winner

Not all thunderstorms are created equally. They all must have an updraft (warm, moist air rising), a downdraft (falling rain and hail), and produce lightning.

The supercell is the monster among thunderstorms. This type of thunderstorm has a single rotating updraft along with an intense downdraft. The key is rotation.

If the wind direction and speed change with height, the updraft can begin to rotate and tilt forward. This produces long-lived supercell thunderstorms with tornadic potential.

The Shot

Finding interesting foregrounds in the Great Plains is challenging. The topography

resembles a billiard table covered with identical crops. Barbed wire fences are ubiquitous, standing between you and something of visual interest past the barrier. And the best places to pull over to photograph the supercell seem to be devoid of “obstructions” (interesting foregrounds) that might partially block the view.

While chasing a supercell last year, I was delighted to discover wildflowers nearby. Crouching low, I was able to fire off several images looking up and through the fence.

Before long, the lightning was getting uncomfortably close. Not having a one iron to hold up, I beat a hasty retreat to the van and safety.

I’ll be busy next week, so the next Friday Photo will be August 14.

Thanks for looking,

Chuck Derus Zenfolio | Chuck Derus