Great Plains Severe Storm
June 19, 2012
Photographer: Theresa Bauman
Summary Author: Theresa Bauman
The photo above showing a nasty storm gathering strength above the Great Plains was taken from Elizabeth, Colorado on June 2, 2012 about 1:05 p.m. I watched the sky change from cobalt blue with fluffy cumulus clouds around noon to this end-of-the-world monster. We were under a tornado warning so I locked the horses in the barn and took cover. At right is a classic example of an inflow band, also sometimes called the beaver tail. Whenever you see a beaver tail such as this, not only is the whole storm rotating but it's also dominating the environment for miles around. Though we endured strong winds, lightning and a lashing rain, we got off lucky -- no damages were sustained.
Photo Details: Camera Maker: Canon; Camera Model: Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS; Focal Length: 4.3mm; Aperture: f/2.7; Exposure Time: 0.0063 s (1/160); ISO equiv: 100.