THE ULTIMATE LIGHTNING STORM - In Slow Motion

Amazing lightning filling the sky and caught on camera in slow motion. This extremely unique storm event generated hundreds of anvil crawler lightning discharges unlike any storm I've ever witnessed. NOT FOR REBROADCAST. Copyright Hank Schyma 2017. To license video contact [e-mail]
ABOUT THIS LIGHTNING STORM
Specific conditions made this storm extremely special. Anvil Crawler lighting, also know as spider lightning is not uncommon, However because they occurs at such high altitudes, there’s usually low level clouds and rain hiding them from view. It takes special cloud and rain free conditions near a powerful thunderstorm to reveal them to you.
ANVIL CRAWLER FACTS
Anvil crawler lightning behaves different then typically observed cloud to ground lightning strikes. They propagate slower and horizontally. In a typical lightning strike, leaders move too fast for the human eye to detect. But in anvil crawler lightning, you can actually see the leaders searching for opposite charged regions of the cloud to connect to.
Slow motion video helps reveal that anvil crawlers are comprised of two main events. First, leaders typically growing and branching out horizontally followed by return strokes, the flickering solid line discharges. Some anvil crawlers are conjoined with a cloud to ground lightning strike and others remain completely intra-cloud.
One particular capture from this evening is extra special! From the top of a small mountain pointing the camera straight up I recorded the birth of an anvil crawler. This rare close proximity to the camera, slow motion documentation brought to light a phenomenon I’ve never witnessed in such detail. The increased luminosity of the leader tips appearing like blue headlights searching along dark windy highways.
ANVIL CLOUD FACTS?
When a thunderstorm explodes in our troposphere, it can only rise so far before hitting a ceiling. We call this the tropopause. The updraft then spreads outward like smoke under a table. From a distance, the storm takes on the appearance of an anvil. So we call the spreading flat top of a cumulonimbus an anvil cloud.
From above, Anvil clouds can flare out covering entire states. Underneath, the are often garnished with mammatus clouds and set the stage for spectacular sunsets. It’s here where Anvil crawler lightning does what the name implies.
MUSIC:
"Like Spinning Plates" written by some of the dudes in Radiohead.
"Prelude in C# Minor" by Rachmaninov
Performed by Pecos Hank
TAG MUSIC:
"Angel's Serenade" by Southern Backtones

[@PabloRodriguez-ly9jo]

I know Hank won't see this, but keep up the good work man.

[@PecosHank]

Peekaboo.

[@PabloRodriguez-ly9jo]

[@colthaslam]

Pablo Rodriguez lol

[@ivanbradford4813]

Pecos Hank that's was the best footage of lightning I ever saw

[@nintenboi926]

Pablo Rodriguez he saw it lol

[@trashrabbit69]

Anvil crawlers are easily my favorite type of lightning formation. I imagine them as the veins of the storm, sending its brilliant energy throughout for all to see!

[@vantabats]

Michael Dutankis Same! I love how they look. I will sit by a window during storms just to see the different lightning strikes

[@cotirlanvladut6591]

Yes, they are awesome. The anvil crawlers are making the best lightning show I ever seen in my life. ⚡

[@hh126]

coool meatyorologyst

[@TC_3495]

It's like clouds have brains and they have a terrible headache.

[@PecosHank]

Lol!

[@muddyraccoon]

2 years later, but still; I view it in the same realm but opposite. I see it as an increase in brain activity. A storm like this one? Some seriously deep thinking going on.

[@northtexasskies3243]

@@muddyraccoon the clouds are the brains. They king of look like brains lol and the stronger they get the more they have to think so what you said is probably true

[@TheAfzalfamily]

BRAINSTORM!!!!!

[@arcadia4691]

@@muddyraccoon You are darn right bout that one!

[@emsey6097]

That was the most insanely beautiful thing I have ever seen.

[@tofifichannel7199]

the legend still hearts the comments.

[@ruki4585]

I agree

[@orithespiritwolf3459]

Nature is sooo beautiful and deadly!!!!

[@BRANDONTHAGR8]

I totally agree my friend. Simply breathtaking

[@stafflo]

what part

[@joshuatremper5026]

I can't believe this was already 6 years ago. Not even sure if you still look at these older videos, but I absolutely love your content.

[@62jenysue]

You have THE BEST storm channel. ..EVER!!

[@bayotic4286]

Jennysue62 without a doubt

[@chaosligerzero88]

Jennysue62 yep

[@cosmic4701]

I agree completely on of my favorite people to watch in general.

[@cosmic4701]

One*

[@PecosHank]

I appreciate that Jenny Sue. Thanks everyone for hanging out with me.

[@seanromocki4110]

Art in highest form

[@nicolejk5327]

True

[@PH_navyist76]

Yep he is da best man

[@mathewhernandez2582]

facts ^

[@gowsif_dnb]

No one creates like the Most High.

[@abudoruhakimu]

This video brought me to tears. So beautiful and deep.

[@mathewhernandez2582]

facts ^

[@nesletchimaew9209]

I once witnessed a 3 hour long 360 degree spectacle outside at a lake with 4 anvil clouds around while the sky above me was completely clear

[@thestormchasingconservativ6999]

I started storm chasing 20 years ago and lightning is by far my favorite thing to to snap pictures of. 🌧🌪⚡🌩🌈🌤☀🌧🌪⚡🌩🌈🌤☀ Lightning is very chaotic, peaceful, beautiful, and unpredictable. I got interested in lightning back in August 1999 when my dad got hit by a bolt at our churches yearly picnic. He doesn't remember anything that happened before he got hit.. ⚡📷🌪🌩📸🎥📷🌪🌩📸🎥📷⚡ Thank you for your amazing videos and snap shots of the beauty mother nature provides us. My dad and i enjoy your videos. Keep up the amazing hard work you do and STAY SAFE

[@cheesypies5166]

AH YOU DID THE MUSIC! that was surprising that just makes you even cooler

[@ramyh8894]

The piano made it so beautiful , good job

[@ramyh8894]

Yea this is what i tried to say tho xD

[@juliobrian4757]

I've had the piano part of repeat for 20 minutes! lol!

[@IHudson]

Loved the piano, even more so when I saw Pecos Hank playing it himself!

[@christophertakashima2602]

SM Ramyrez The song is Like Spinning Plates by Radiohead just so you know. :)

[@ramyh8894]

Yea i know ^^ thank you

[@cyndikarp3368]

We are sure glad you shared this spider lightning storm with us. Thanks

[@d3nyd]

It's been a long time since I've been so transfixed on a video. This is just awe-inspiring. I wish I could have seen this storm in person.

[@TornadoTrackers]

Man, absolutely stunning!!

[@naturebam5292]

Please like Share and subscribe to my KZbin channel and follow me on Instagram kzbin.info/door/rvNDpDPM8tac_4VqIeuLOg

[@vicevrxca]

Lightning looking more prettier than Kylie Jenner

[@JUJU98347]

@@naturebam5292 no

[@mathewhernandez2582]

facts ^

[@indyaarumugam906]

Thank you so much for recording this and sharing it with us! It's so awesome!

[@Auldus]

Hank your videos are so well presented and therapeutic. Never give up what you do.

[@yoRRnl]

my friend. i dont do thumbsups on videos. only in rare situations. beautiful footage, high quality, nice voice over and guided by your own piano music. i MUST thumsup. respect!

[@PecosHank]

Thanks for taking the time to throw out the awesome vibes.

[@justinjamesburud1376]

Cool videos Hank

[@holly8320]

These are breath taking. It's like a dance between the two stages of the crawlers. Due to binge watching your videos I've learned more about lightning than I did in any science class. It ignited a curiosity in me. I actually caught my first lightning bolt "on film" a few days ago and it was awesome. The bolt itself was simple and small but the adrenaline from it surprised me. I just keep hoping for more thunderstorms so I can try again! Sorry for rambling, just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration and education!

[@PecosHank]

That's awesome Holly! Careful, It gets addicting.

[@holly8320]

Pecos Hank I think it's already too late! Unfortunately southwest Ontario doesn't get a lot of really big storms (at least where I live hasn't this year) so the lack of weather will keep me in check.

[@reversoremixes6977]

Holly P I just caught a massive horizontal one!

[@naturebam5292]

Please like Share and subscribe to my KZbin channel and follow me on Instagram kzbin.info/door/rvNDpDPM8tac_4VqIeuLOg

[@naomir3533]

Love watching this channel! Where I live in Aus, I definitely don't get to see any storms like this so I live vicariously through you! Keep up the good work 😊

[@didgegirl6]

Thank you Hank! I grew up in Reno and sometimes would see lightening like this. Many times we would see sheet lightening because of the low cloud cover. I loved it! Your photography is so amazing. Thank you for putting it out there. I've learned a lot!

[@emmaadams5547]

I know you see this a lot, but you're extrordinary with your footage and music, not slammed together with screams, but gathered together with music. Also, I'd like to see longer storm chases sometime Hank, cya.

[@victoriac2816]

Your videos are actual perfection: the amazing shots, the calm music, your voice, and the way you describe your adventures but also explain everything so well... Honestly my favourite youtube channel.

[@vickiwilson2185]

Nobody can touch Hanks videos and His music, UNBEATABLE 👍❣️❣️❣️

[@dragonascent8501]

I was inspired by you to capture lightning. It took me almost a year, but today I finally caught my first lightning strike! Thanks for the motivation. That was one of things I wanted to complete on my bucket list. I will continue to capture spectacular weather phenomenon for the rest of my life.

[@Pulse1339]

I really love how your channel makes people appreciate the beauty of storms

[@kaderp]

The music fits perfectly and is beautiful with this!

[@sevenlight4756]

I love all your videos, but this one hit me different. I've been going through a tough time recently, with lots of stress and depression, but while watching this I got this super good feeling that everything would be okay. Cuz no matter what, nature remains amazing. Please never stop making such good videos. Soundtrack was 10/10 too :)

[@PecosHank]

They can never take storms away from us. Keep your chin up Seven Light.

[@martymodus7205]

I come for the storm footage, I stay for the music, and I always leave knowing more. Thanks for your awesome channel, Hank!

[@Idk-kk4jy]

This is absolutely breathtaking. I’m using this video to teach my 3 year old about lightning and thunderstorms. She knew right away. Love this ❤❤

[@Ann-Catrin]

⚡Beautiful and breathtaking ⚡

[@izziepearce7998]

This is absolutely beautiful 😍,with some nice useful facts ❤😅

[@bearstokesful]

The glowing leader tips was the highlight of the video. I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable on lightning as you Hank, but even I know that was a helluva capture! Congrats on that snag, one for the ages bro!

[@mindyvaughn8217]

Brilliant!! This was so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous explosion of nature. You are so gifted.💖

[@kc9aop]

Hank, if I had not found you I may never have developed an appreciation for this beautiful natural phenomena. You have added untold beauty to my horizon. Saying thanks seems not enough!

[@PecosHank]

That means a lot Jim. Take care friend.

[@StewartGartland]

The Pecos Hank channel of meteorological art😁

[@danieltorresdeluna4844]

😑 los metiches del mundo qué asquerosos ser humano sin ustedes Todos quieren ser

[@eroraf8637]

Absolutely incredible shots. I’m reminded of a massive lightning show I witnessed from south of Phoenix years ago. Brilliant flashes of light every two seconds. But one bolt in particular stood out to me: a nearly horizontal streak, branching out over almost half a second, looking for all the world like a cosmic ray air shower. Now, I think I finally understand what I saw that night: an anvil crawler, seen almost edge-on. I’ve seen many lightning bolts since then, but that one has remained etched in my memory as one of the most dramatic bolts I’ve ever seen in person. Thanks for sharing these remarkable clips. Cheers, mate.

[@Lee67001]

Another excellent video Hank. I thoroughly enjoy tuning into this stream.

[@ifirekirby7498]

I've watched you for a long time, and I love your commentary with the video. I swear it just makes it so much better because I can hear passion and interest in your voice.

[@MrSantzen]

Can't stop watching your videos, then re watching them!

[@PH_navyist76]

Me too even im already spoiled for a long time im ejoying it

[@martieludlow6238]

Just beautiful. Every aspect. Thank you a thousand times.

[@lemairelemr7375]

Amazing fact that with the will and ability to do such beautiful artwork filming, you were also given the voice to match the solemnity of Mother Nature displays. The result is awesome, please keep up the good work. People like you are a blessing, I am only grateful that KZbin allows me among others to witness your talent.

[@jessicah3450]

This was truly hypnotic, thank you!

[@krb4420]

I personally think your productions are just as good or better than any news weather team or programs on the weather channel. really high quality stuff. very excited to see what sort of storms you capture this summer!

[@skywriting33]

Mesmerizing! And beautifully poetic narration and musical accompaniment. Fantastic video, as usual 😊. Thank you

[@bhimbonggames3206]

Never cease to amaze hank, you are a man of many talents!

[@harris-design]

Just pure beauty! The visuals and the music gave me sustained goose bumps.

[@jewiesnew3786]

spectacular light show....and beautiful piano work in the end too!

[@PecosHank]

Gotta love Radiohead.

[@nickoleep87]

I just want a five minute recording of your beautiful piano playing and thunder sounds :) So peaceful! This tune that you play is wonderful

[@vickiwilson2185]

Hi,Hank! I've asked several other fairly reputable people, but I'm sure it's just so much to go through chasing and the mail. MY QUESTION why does it get so quiet right before a tornado strikes? I want you to know that you are MY FAVORITE chaser, musician and Animal lover!!!! Truly ONE of a Kind, God broke the mold🙏 That's great because can you imagine a whole Universe of Hanks😜

[@jennyburger07]

It's like a beautiful dance in the sky. God, you're multitalented too! Great video!

[@zep2150]

another upload from the legend Hank... this calls for a beer - be right back

[@zep2150]

alright, got beer! lets go

[@seligjuggalo9378]

This is officially my all time favourite KZbin video now! Something I have attempted to do for a long time now but never get good enough thunderstorms. Record lightning in slow motion to see every individual bolt

[@DanielSanchez-qb8rj]

there is no one better at capturing lightning strikes and tornados on camera then hank, and the piano makes it even better! keep up the awesome work hank you deserve 1,000,00 subscribers in my opinion 👍

[@vickiwilson2185]

I don't know how he doesn't have MORE than that too!

[@crunch805]

Pecos. Love you man. Mesmerizing! Your piano playing made this video perfect.

[@jamesm1514]

This is an AWESOME video, Pecos Hank!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :D

[@amyshaw3875]

Wow... That is so beautiful. How lucky you must feel to be able to have filmed such an amazing light show. Priceless

[@HMABH]

this drew a smile on my face... thank you

[@billthompson5644]

Hank... Nothing Short of Spectacular, Again.

[@PecosHank]

Thanks Bill.

[@theskitzoone]

Honest to goodness, I cherish every video you post. You do such an amazing job at appreciating the awesomeness of nature, and showing it to the world. I moved to a part of the US that almost never gets even the vaguest hint of thunderstorms, and these videos bring me such joy to watch. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@PecosHank]

You're welcome Skit.

[@nathanhills336]

You probably don’t get a lot of these types of comments but I’d just want to thank you for posting this! I know it’s been five years but I found this video about two years ago while getting started on a project of mine. I’m still working on the same project and I came back to get some reference footage for, you guessed it, lightning! This is beautifully shot, keep up the good work!

[@sharonkeller7397]

O M G what a show!! Your music was perfect! I have finally figured out much of what we hear is you in the back ground. You are so talented and have taught me so much about these storms and about the animals along the way. Thank you for your time and effort in putting these videos together, I enjoy them!! Sharon :)

[@da23injulecz]

you have brought tears to my eyes hank, thanks keep doing doing your thing please

[@ashmullahey3065]

Absolutely beautiful mate, I appreciate the time you take to provide us with videos like this

[@PecosHank]

I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@amymeyers9682]

Absolutely amazing! The music was perfect and the videography better than anything else I’ve seen! I have always been afraid of lightning storms but this gives me a new appreciation of their beauty as well.

[@lenwenzel7440]

I witnessed an even more intense storm 6 1/2 years ago in Ontario, Canada, in Algonquin Park during the summer. It went on for more than two hours with thousands of strikes. After two hours I was so tired out I fell asleep, and it may have been the deepest and best sleep I ever had. Lightning causes a lot of fires but this one didn't. It's hard to describe how alive it makes you feel. I felt like I was in natures miracle.

[@naturebam5292]

Please like Share and subscribe to my KZbin channel and follow me on Instagram kzbin.info/door/rvNDpDPM8tac_4VqIeuLOg

[@horsez4eva18]

I also ssw the same lightning!! It was the coolest thing I ever seen. Hours of insane strikes! I managed to get a still of just one bolt from the video I took with my phone amazingly enough.

[@harmonickz6042]

Beautiful as always!

[@GetOutsideYourself]

That's some MAGIC footage amigo. Great job!

[@roymoreno3767]

How did I ever miss your videos...LOVE THEM!!! Happy Trails to you too buddy...:)

[@annarayne4244]

Hank.... this is lovely! Thank you!

[@ryantoemmes9685]

Hank, Great footage as expected from you... I gotta admit this season has been lackluster for storm hunters... It's been very disappointing so far this season... Only the Canton / Texas out Break has been the highlight so far this spring... Keep up the great work 👍. June is here...

[@Bluegillbronco2]

Its crazy because way more people have died this year because of tornadoes than last year.

[@TheNiteNinja19]

Ryan Toemmes I've noticed this too. In 2011 when I started trucking, I saw a tornado just about every other day. including the Joplin MO one. In 2012, I bought dashboard cameras and stuff gearing up for the next season, got nothing. Same results right up until I got off OTR trucking last year.

[@onewiththeshovel2516]

Ryan Toemmes hopefully a tornado won't form in my town on June 19 (my birthday)

[@studentlogan]

Not sure where you live, but I live in East Texas (about 30 mins from Canton) and it seems like it has been one storm after another, but it's nearly always night time and spotting is tough (not even considering all the trees!) We just had an ef-1 come through a decent sized city (100k+). Took out power for just over a week for something like 120,000 people. Hell, there's another lightning storm going on as I type this!

[@LuvsTstormTapes]

Your very own birthday, in 1998 brought me a gorgeous 6/19/98-Tstorm with a mushroom-shaped thundercloud with lotsa long CGs and loud long reverberating thundercrashes..and I got it on audio and videotape...it was quite a prized winner for me...6/19/75 also brought me a huge Tstorm with lotsa closeby CGs and thundercrashes by 8pm... which I audiotape and stil lgot the tape today..almost 42 years late.r..so..anyways..have a nice birthday on MON 6/19/17...

[@shootingdutchmen4you]

Amazing video once again, did anyone else spot the ground to cloud bolt reaching up at 1:58?

[@PecosHank]

I did ;D

[@frankclinraj9096]

Pecos Hank wow you replied!

[@frankclinraj9096]

Pecos Hank wow you replied!

[@HollyHuffsnowbyte]

Oh totally! I thought that was awesome! =D I kept looking for more. XD

[@local_catgirl3344]

@@gavingroth3894 you're* also people do it to show how much of a fan of them they are. If your favourite KZbin channel replied to your comment, you'd probably be excited too.

[@dianagalaxy7928]

Turn the lights off to watch this one. An amazing show with the perfect music. Thanks Hank!

[@nickthegreek1882]

I find your videos very soothing and educational at the same time. You are truly very passionate about sharing your work with world.thank you ⛈

[@BC2ManBeast]

Fantastic as always Hank! Loved the piano track you were playing during the footage it set it off perfectly!

[@PecosHank]

Cheers Beast!

[@tjzambonischwartz]

I saw a lightning storm like this only once, in Arizona about fifteen years ago. One of the most incredible, mesmerizing sights I've ever seen. Absolutely beautiful.

[@mamabear5287]

I saw one in Georgia around end of 2013 traveling on I-75 North towards Atlanta around Macon. I'll never forget that - it was the entire sky for all around I could see in front of me. I had to stop the car. I didn't film it though because it started raining too hard.

[@firstconsul7286]

I had one earlier this year, in upstate NY. The crawlers were coming past a line of tall pine trees over me, which gave the impression that they were climbing over the trees. It was incredible.

[@Gallantsky]

Now next time someone asks me why I want to become a storm chaser I can just show them this video. By the way this is absolutely gorgeous, keep up the good work

[@07.eli.08]

A few weeks ago when I was struggling with school and just trying desperately to find something I wanted to hold onto I found a will to live through this. I told myself I wanted to be as free and live as... beautifully as anvil crawler lightning.

[@sethjackson8911]

Hey Hank, great video of whether as always! Bravo! :-)

[@d68z]

Awesome... Great job!!! ⚡️

[@accelerator8929]

This is one of my favorite videos on youtube, hands down.

[@newhomeproduction3413]

Thats like a symphony of nature. A great way to see flashes and the beauty behind it, thanks for that.

[@CuriousGoodsJessica]

I just wish it was longer! Love the music, I could listen to the piano and watch storms for hours!

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

It’s the live version of Like Spinning Plates by Radiohead

[@luckyluke7997]

It's so beautiful 😍

[@d.h.2942]

Miss you Hank. Beautiful photography, beautiful music. Love watching you play! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@noahpage7459]

I wasn’t paying attention as the next video (this video) began playing but just hearing the music I had a strong feeling it was a Pecos Hank video. Makes it even cooler that you make your own background music. You truly are a very talented man.

[@wailingwolves7753]

This is the best thing I have ever seen. Your storm channel is amazing!

[@PecosHank]

Thanks Bera.

[@dajeanmcmullen9861]

good quality as always man keep it up :D

[@purplealice]

That was utterly beautiful. I needed all that electrical magic beauty right now. And no one captures lightning's elusive nature in photographs as well as you do, Hank -- and you play the piano :-)

[@depth_and_breadth5255]

Hi Hank. Wow. You make amazing art. You videos are... words don't do it justice. You have an amazing attention to the beauty and striking power of nature, and furthermore you craft your videos with a keen attention to the emotional undertones that are conveyed by the combination of the terrifying beauty of nature with the soundtracks and moods that you set. Not to mention, you have a wonderful knowledge of the science behind this magnificent phenomenon. As a physicist who recently took up lightning research, I must say that you are doing amazing work, and sharing this with the world is a service to whomever stumbles upon it. Your content moves me.

[@stormangelus6638]

I friggin' LOVE your videos! Just, by far the best ever! Thank you for sharing this beautiful phenomenon with us and allowing us to go on this journey with you. I have a feeling next month's going to go a little slow until those last 2 weeks, dude - be careful out there!

[@PecosHank]

If there's no tornadoes, there's usually lighting.

[@nickjohnson8395]

Another amazing video Hank! I wish we had those sort of light shows over here in the uk 🙁..... keep up with these interesting and educational videos, as there out of this world! I'm always watching 😉

[@esmiewalker4922]

⛈⛈🌩🌩☁️☁️⛅⛅🌪🌪🌪

[@Randomcloud36]

I’ve been searching for this video for so long after the last time I watched this. About 3-2 years ago. So happy

[@codigomovil]

Thanks for sharing... I witnessed one when I was a teenager!!! It was right after a big storm, the lower sky was clear, and I could see a very high altitude clouds.. and then the lightning between clouds and with no sound at all. I was beautiful 😍. Now I can show it to my kids and wife!!!

[@amberb8629]

this is art.. you are an artist! 😍

[@chrisblizzard9587]

Such a gorgeous video, love it man! We're suppose to have our first major lightning storm tonight, I'm hoping to get some shots tonight.

[@PecosHank]

Good luck Chris.

[@staceyjizzaine]

Thank you so much for your video, it's absolutely stunning! I've never seen this kind of lightening before. Your quick facts are much appreciated.

[@highphysics3617]

Wow! What a magnificent display,and what an incredible presentation. Absolutely stupendous.

[@melodysprout23456]

I liked your videos before but now I like them even more now that I know you play piano.

[@novander]

I love how I was listening to Ride The Lightning when I got a notification for this.

[@rozeerustic5477]

SPECTACULAR!!!! Loving on your music as well.

[@xLunan]

I’m in love, Jesus the music was perfect with it and your voice in the narration was perfection. So peaceful