Storm Waves Over Puna!

We had a REAL dramatic storm last night over Puna that went on and on -- for about four hours.  What a light show it was, and poor Dexter was so frightened, we finally pulled out the tranquilizers we used to give him on the 4th of July. 

First of all this kind of storm is a bit unusual.  Even though we do get some occasional lightning with storms -- not like this -- not for an extended period of time.

What was also unusual is how the storm rolled over us in isolated, identifiable "waves." Remember, on the Big Island, PUNA district where we live is the farthest western point of the island, so we see the sun first, and in this case got the storm first as well.

In mainland storms we were used to storms that would come and then pass on and be gone. Last night, however, the "waves" of storm came in with big lightning and loud claps of thunder exploding IMMEDIATELY  -- because it WAS right over Puna!  You could also count the seconds after the flashes, and identify that the storm-wave was moving on -- further and further.  However, during several hours, we had four "waves" of storm with an INITIAL big flash of lightning followed by immediate thunderclaps, and eventually fading as it passed.  It was fun to hear each successive wave come, and then move on.  Very dramatic indeed with lots of "snap crackle and POP" -- depositing about 8/10 of rain.

(This is exactly like what we saw, but this lovely photo was taken by Kyle Nishioka)