Eye on the Tropics

Why is the lightning we’re seeing during Hurricane Ian so unusual?

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricanes and other tropical systems feed off warm water and have much less cold air and ice in the upper atmosphere, which is necessary to generate lightning.

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But meteorologist Tom Terry said we’re seeing some mixing of colder air in the upper atmosphere.

Read: HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: Tree falls on I-4 as Ian’s impact felt across Central Florida

Winds that are rising rapidly and spiraling into Ian are creating some occasional lightning.

Read: Tracking Ian: How to stay informed when your power goes out

These ‘convective’ storm cells have even heavier rain rates which results in heavy rain and a wind threat for all.

Read: Hurricane Ian: Curfews to take effect in some Central Florida counties

Check out these photos from Hurricane Ian:

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