We really are saying goodbye to the summertime now and hello again to some more dry conditions (unfortunately) in the Northeast. Stratford Point had a good run of thunderstorms for a week or so in mid-August, but even these photos show a storm that is over Long Island Sound and ended up providing a very light shower for literally a minute or two. Nevertheless, the pink explosions against the blue clouds all lit by the setting sun provided a pretty scene.
I was also able to capture one of the few cloud to ground lightning strikes on the Sound to the east of the Stratford Point Light.
Parts of Chautauqua County had a tremendous amount of rain for a stretch, and some spots in the Northeast are in much better drought condition now than they were. However, others – including cities like Buffalo and Boston – are still very much in need of a great deal of water. Basically all areas are still at a deficit. Sometimes I wonder why there are those among us who find these lightning scenes so beautiful and not horribly frightening. I believe one aspect might be that we are hard-wired to rejoice in the refreshing rain that is the very reason we exist. Water is life! More, please.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
