Astronomy, Photography and Weather

A few pics from the storm chase I did on Tues Oct 5th. I intercepted a nasty thunderstorm outside Coagh in a highly sheared environment which was producing non stop c-g lightning as it moved from the Republic then NE across all of N. Ireland. The storm had gusty winds, very loud thunder and intense rain/hail. I then followed it N and saw a OK mammatus display on the anvil, I stopped between Ballyronan and Toome to watch. I big rotating cloud collar appeared with a small funnel cloud extending from the snout which rotated for 5 min's with mammatus and a double rainbow at the same time which was a fabulous treat. More info on the report....

http://www.nightskyhunter.com/Funnel%20Cloud%20-%20October%205th%202010.html

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(http://i51.tinypic.com/2u77u6p.jpg)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh98MClXIu8

Great stuff Martin! :D

Thanks very much Mark, I have a feeling this could be the last thunderstorm I will see this year, but I hope not  :). Best storm action I've seen in October yet.

Could well be, however winter is rapidly approaching us again, and if it's anything like last year will hopefully provide us with more meteorological eye candy :)

I was thinking the same thing Mark - if this high pressure builds and we get a Nly at some stage we could be in for some very cold weather and maybe early sleet/snow. If this Winter is half as good as last year then we will be spoilt for Winter wonderland photography  :) - the next months could be very interesting indeed.

excellent stuff man! that was a big storm on the sat there and perfectly positioned for the funnel too! Excellent  8)

Cheers man, wish you could have been there that day, but at least you saw that amazing shelf cloud on the way home  :)

Excellent Martin, very jelous to say the least. As for the cold spell and Nly that could happen by the end of this month start of next, doubt there will be snow but atleast the cold will be back. Looking forward to another winter but I hope we can squeeze one last decent storm in before then. If I get one half as good as this I will be happy  ;D

I am also jealous Martin another cracking capture of a funnel. Good work i know you put the time in.

Thanks very much Danny and Dave, it was nice little funnel which arrived at just the correct time to see the end of the t-storm season.  :)

Interestingly GFS is showing freezing or near freezing temps for day time the week after next with sleet and wet snow possible for Scotland, Winter is coming...