Storm Chaser Nearly Struck by Lightning Beneath Green Supercell

While tracking a menacing green supercell sweeping across the Plains, storm chaser Reed Timmer came dangerously close to a lightning strike. The intense moment, captured on video, highlights both the raw, unpredictable power of severe storms—and the haunting beauty that can signal their arrival.

Lightning in the clouds By Gavin
Green skies have long intrigued—and at times unsettled—those who witness them. Though the phenomenon remains somewhat mysterious, meteorologists have developed several credible theories to explain how and why it occurs.

Famed storm chaser Reed Timmer recently experienced a harrowing moment when he was nearly struck by lightning while documenting a green supercell thunderstorm. The dramatic event was captured on video, captivating audiences and prompting questions about the phenomenon of green skies and the prevalence of severe weather during May in the United States.

A Shocking Moment

While tracking an intense supercell in the Plains—a region notorious for volatile spring weather—Timmer was filming the rotating storm when a sudden lightning bolt struck dangerously close. The green hue of the sky during this event drew significant attention, highlighting the unique characteristics of such storms.

Why Does the Sky Turn Green Before a Storm?

The eerie glow of a green sky has long captivated—and unsettled—those who witness it. Often appearing just before severe weather strikes, the phenomenon is visually stunning and has become the subject of both meteorological study and storm folklore. While the exact cause remains a topic of debate among scientists, there are several well-supported theories that help explain this mysterious atmospheric signal.

The greenish tint is typically associated with towering thunderstorm clouds, especially those that produce large hail. As sunlight passes through the dense canopy of moisture-laden clouds, it interacts with water droplets and ice crystals suspended within the storm.

According to meteorologists at the National Weather Service, this interaction scatters blue light, and when combined with the reddish tones of a low sun—usually during early morning or late evening hours—it can give the sky a distinct green hue.

But the science isn’t fully settled. "Scientists don't agree on why the sky may appear green during severe weather, although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that it can mean hail may be nearby," notes the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). "One theory is that large amounts of water and ice in the updrafts of a severe thunderstorm will scatter green light, making the clouds appear green."

While some believe a green sky signals a tornado is imminent, it's not a definitive indicator of one. Instead, the unusual coloration is more closely tied to the overall severity of the storm—particularly the presence of large hail. These haunting hues are commonly associated with supercell thunderstorms, the intense, rotating systems that frequently develop across the central U.S. during the spring and early summer and are often capable of producing both hail and tornadoes.

May: One of the Most Active Months for Severe Weather

May is widely recognized as one of the most active months for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in the United States, particularly across Tornado Alley—a region that spans parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this time of year brings a volatile clash of air masses: warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico meets cooler, drier air from the Rockies or Canada, creating the perfect setup for powerful supercell thunderstorms.

These rotating storms are capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and sometimes tornadoes. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center notes that while tornadoes can happen year-round, the southern Plains typically see their highest concentration from May into early June, making this period especially critical for severe weather preparedness.

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