Northern Missouri and central Illinois were lambasted again overnight by torrential rainfall
accompanied by spectacular lightning—the by-product of a cluster of powerful
thunderstorms referred to by meteorologists as a Mesoscale Convective Complex—or
“MCS”. Most often nocturnal (nighttime) in nature, MCS’s have a history of generating
incredible lightning displays which can go on for hours. Paul Hadfield stepped out of
work around midnight last night in central Illinois and took these remarkable lightning
photographs which he is sharing with us. Thanks Paul!
Tom Skilling
Photos courtesy of Paul Hadfield, Central Illinois
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
