Clovelly

Lightning is always an extraordinary phenomena to observe. It most commonly occurs in large Cumulonimbus clouds, and while it is still the subject of study, it is commonly agreed to be caused by water and ice crystals colliding and transferring electrical charges in the enormous updrafts within the storm. Heavy, negatively charged water droplets and hail sink to the bottom of the storm clouds while lighter positively charged ice crystals are carried to the top, creating an immense difference in electrical charge between the top and bottom of the cloud, and the Earth beneath. The lightning we see occurs when a sudden and tremendous flow of electricity occurs to equalize the different charges.

This image was captured when a fast-moving storm passed to the north of Clovelly. It was a very active storm, ferociously sparking with lightning as it charged by. This is a composite of some of the many lightning bolts produced by the storm. It was a magnificent, powerful show to watch and capture.