A Dazzling Display Over Marianna
A spectacular lightning display lit up the sky over Marianna, Florida, on Aug. 18, captured on video by Jonathan Waldrop, who described the sight as "insane." The footage, taken during a severe thunderstorm warning, shows lightning shooting across the sky, prompting a woman in the video to exclaim, "Please tell me you got that on video."
The storm was part of a broader weather system that prompted the National Weather Service to issue severe thunderstorm warnings for the Florida Panhandle and North Florida area on Aug. 18. Forecasters warned that storms could produce 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail.
What Is Intra-Cloud Lightning?
The lightning seen in the video is known as "intra-cloud lightning," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This type of lightning occurs within a single cloud, creating a sideways, often spectacular display of light. When it illuminates the cloud from within, it is called "sheet lightning."
Florida's Lightning Legacy
Florida is no stranger to lightning, though it was recently dethroned as the nation's lightning capital. Oklahoma took the title with last year's strikes, but Florida still recorded more than 2 million lightning flashes in 2025, an average of 93 flashes per square mile. Even seasoned lightning watchers can appreciate a display like the one over Marianna.
More Storms Expected
Forecasters predicted additional thunderstorms into the evening of Aug. 19 in the Panhandle and North Florida area. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee noted in a forecast discussion that "strong-gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rain are the main threats." Residents were advised to stay aware of the weather as the storms moved through the region.