CLOSE LIGHTNING STRIKES in Slow Motion & Anvil Crawler Lightning 2000 fps

This best of lightning video compilation was all shot in the Spring storm season of 2016. Several slow motion frame rates were used from 250-500 frames per second (fps) in full HD to 2000 fps. In order to increase chances of catching close lightning strikes on camera a wide angle lens (18mm) was used. The closest strikes are inside 100 feet however the wide angle lens makes them appear slightly farther away.

The slow motion video really capture the chaotic nature of lightning. The flickering branches and step leaders occur in milliseconds but when slowed down to 2000 fps their secrets are revealed. My favorite and closest lightning strike occurs toward the right side of the frame. An extremely close lightning bolt crashed into the ground spewing fire and as the lightning channel begins to cool it breaks up into glowing balls of fire. This is the rarest and best example of bead lightning or chain lightning I've ever seen!

When the charge difference between the thunderstorm and the ground are strong enough, a step leader begins to blindly branch toward the ground or in some cases seen here curve back up into the storm. This is the insulating capacity of the air breaking down as the negative charge starts moving downward. The instant this dim branching step leader makes contact with the ground (or upward streamer), a massive electrostatic discharge we know as lightning occurs. Watch the 2000 fps section of this video and you can see this millisecond phenomenon happening.

The step leader has paved the way for successive return strokes to occur and several other discharges can occur through the channel. We see this as a flickering channel. In all the negative lightning observed in this video, there were on average 4-5 strokes, however strikes had up to 20 strokes evident in the isolated thunderstorm in this video in the blue sky.

MUSIC: "Angel's Serenade" by Southern Backtones

[Sullsfx]

Love how you made the music synchronized with the timing of the lightning strikes. Truly incredible stuff and your editing and photography skills are impeccable!

[crippledcrusader]

This helped me understand a little more about lightning, I used to have a small fear of lightning storms, but now with these in slow motion, I understand how they work more. Incredible how nature’s most destructive forces are the most beautiful.

[kellykurt]

Some of the most phenomenal shots I have ever seen. I watched this six times in a row and added it to my favorites. The music put it over the top. Well done, Hank. Thank you

[doioz]

this is seriously the best footage of lightning strikes i have ever seen

[alansmith]

Edited with the music perfectly. You're one very talented guy, excellent.

[HoIlowtree]

Love it partucularly the parking lot shot where you can see the rain fall in slow motion with the strike was fantasy like.

[danielhakamaki]

I had no idea how much I needed this today.
Stark, beautiful, awe-raising shots of pure plasmic sky rage, creamily intertwined with a most lovely, laid back, and delightfully sinister stoner groove.
Today, for me, this was one of those rare moments of "just what the doctor ordered", and I thank you for it.
Really, thank you for making this. An impression has been made.

[madax]

I love the high speed capture. seeing the leaders reaching out like a bug flying through the air looking for a place to land and then POW! Great work like always Hank.

[ReidGarwin]

the music made the lightening very charismatic/ enticing in a mysterious way. the way the slow motion was worked into and the rhythm, just kick ass!

[BigTArmada]

The definition/brightness in those strikes is so good it's attracted a fly to my screen

[joet]

0:53 I love lightning! So powerful and captivating, but right here with the slow motion rain and the music...👌 beautiful

[treyc]

Epic video as usual! The other night there was this awesome storm that came through, there wasn't much rain so I just sat on my porch and watched the lightning. It was beautiful.

[JasonLambek]

This vid was posted the day I was diagnosed with cancer. I watch it over and over. (much like I do most P.H. Vids)
Awesome channel. Best of Y.T.
It seems to be a busy 2019 season so far. Hope P.H. and all chasers are keeping safe.
Pretty stoked I'm still here awaiting some crazy footage...
Thx H!

[Bashiirrr]

Another great video from the best storm hunter.

[cjmedina]

Wonderful. I was born and raised on The Great Plains; moved away years ago. I miss these storms! Thank you.

[abdullahalam]

Amazing video, some of the best footage of lightning I have ever seen! Worked really well with the music, great editing!

[eustaceomalley]

This... this is my favorite video I've EVER seen on youtube... that and the Poem from +Kester Andrews

Lightning and its completely mystifying effects that make some scared, some excited, but leaves ALL of us in a breathless awe.

AMAZING.

Thank you Pecos Hank and Kester Andrews!

[rbmwiv]

I think I saw Thor in a clip, lol. Great work

[jcadoo]

Absolutely beautiful. Makes the strikes we had last night look like flickering LEDs... (100 viewer too :D)

[tornadotube]

Hank you're probably one of my favorites chaser on YouTube keep up the good videos!