> From the WeatherWatch archives
This amazing lightning photo was displayed at WeatherWatch.co.nz at the start of 2009 and it sparked some debate as to whether or not it was real.
During Philip Duncan’s weather segment on Country99TV the other day the photo was again showed to viewers following a discussion on lightning. Mr Duncan mentioned some thought the photo was a fake but that he believed it was real, however he couldn’t confirm it.
The person who took the photograph, Philip Brewer, contacted the TV channel after seeing his photo on screen and hearing about the debate over its legitimacy.
Mr Brewer then sent us this video as proof that the image he had sent in to WeatherWatch.co.nz was simply a still taken from a video and that it very much was real.
Thanks Philip for sending through to us – a fantastic photo and video!
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Before you add a new comment, take note this story was published on 31 Aug 2010.
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Dale Small on 31/08/2010 9:00am
I have no doubt the photo is legit.. It is a classic example of a Clear Air Groundstrike, the most destructive type of lightning per loss of life basis. Have photographed & witnessed numerous of them back in Queensland, when they start spitting out from the top, it IS time to seek shelter.
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David - New Brighton on 31/08/2010 7:06am
If you stop the video at the 5 sec mark, you get the same result….very impressive and to have been in the right spot at the right time filming, and not knowing the outcome!
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sw on 31/08/2010 12:06am
That must of been that day in january 2009 when lots developed towards the bay of plenty and coromandel and was a blue sky day in Auckland that day.
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Guest on 30/08/2010 9:57pm
First of all, awesome photo and video Phillip!
Although I wasn’t on the Plains at that point on that day, I was on the Peninsula (working in Thames, then home in Tairua), and it was a storm I’ll never forget. In fact I think this particular cell was just a teaser before the ‘big one’ drifted up from over the Kaimai’s and gave us (and Auckland) an amazing show well into the night.
Coincidentally, I’ve seen something similar to this photo while at work in Thames during summer. Looking south at dusk toward a large CB, a huge lightning bolt came straight out of the side of the cloud – pretty spectacular!
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Guest on 30/08/2010 9:20pm
I knew this photo was real as soon as it was taken.
The Location where he took it, verified that is was legit.
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