A long time goal of mine was to capture lightning actually striking a downtown Raleigh building. This happened on July 29, 2010 as a severe thunderstorm set off a barrage of strikes mostly within the heavy rain. I witnessed at least three direct hits to Raleigh skyscrapers (…ok midrises?). I managed to record one strike just as the rain came. The bolt struck the southern facing triangular shape on top of Wachovia Capitol Center and nearly connected with RBC Plaza as well (notice the visible leader streaming off the spire). The rest of the photographs are various storms throughout July that I am just now posting.
Lightning strikes downtown Raleigh buildings
Lightning Bolts tangle behind the city
Rain on the lens
Lightning hits near Raleigh from Raleighview Road
Black and White Raleigh and Lightning
Close up of stepped leader coming off the spire of RBC Plaza while main channel hits Wachovia Building
July 30th, 2010 at 3:31 am (#)
Wow, the lightning shots never get old. Phenomonal pictures, and the one zoomed in to the strike hitting Wachovia and RBC Plaza, you can even see the brand new All-Star Hurricanes logo on that building if you look very closely!
July 30th, 2010 at 9:10 am (#)
Excellent photos Matt.
July 30th, 2010 at 9:21 am (#)
Delivering quality is the norm and should be expected from Matt 🙂 I knew that you would be out there capturing the wild beauty of nature, but these photos surpassed my expectations. Thanks for sharing your work. As usual, you put a lot of smiles in our faces.
July 30th, 2010 at 3:43 pm (#)
Amazing!
August 1st, 2010 at 1:01 am (#)
STUNNING photos!!
August 3rd, 2010 at 5:29 am (#)
Nice!