Beauty Before The Storm

An approaching thunderstorm begins to blot out the setting sun in this view of the northwest sky around 7:30 PM, Thursday, May 3, 2012. An outflow band, created from cool air colliding with warm moist air, is seen at top. The subsequent thunderstorm was tame by most standards, with rain less than .20 inch, no hail and no high winds. Lightning was its dominant aspect. This image was captured from my spotter's position at Noelridge Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.