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Winners of NASA's Extreme Weather Photo Contest

Big winner

The winning image was taken by Brian Johnson, a storm-chasing photographer, near Wichita, Kan., on May 30, 2012.

(Image credit: Brian Johnson)

The winning image was taken by Brian Johnson, a storm-chasing photographer, near Wichita, Kan., on May 30, 2012.

Flashing success

Arlington, Va., resident Brian Allen took a shot of a lightning storm over Washington, D.C., from his apartment on Sept. 1, 2012.

(Image credit: Brian Allen)

Arlington, Va., resident Brian Allen took a shot of a lightning storm over Washington, D.C., from his apartment on Sept. 1, 2012.

Building intesity

University of Wisconsin atmospheric scientist Grant Petty took this photo while on a farm in Dane County, Wis., on May 22, 2011.

(Image credit: University of Wisconsin atmospheric scientist Grant Petty.)

University of Wisconsin atmospheric scientist Grant Petty took this photo while on a farm in Dane County, Wis., on May 22, 2011.

Storm's a'comin'

University of Central Florida photography student Jason Weingart took this photo of a shelf cloud at the leading edge of a thunderstorm, in Ormond Beach, Fla., on May 15, 2012.

(Image credit: Jason Weingart)

University of Central Florida photography student Jason Weingart took this photo of a shelf cloud at the leading edge of a thunderstorm, in Ormond Beach, Fla., on May 15, 2012.

Meggan Wood took this shot on July 5, 2011, in Maricopa, Ariz. She caught a picture of wind whipping up dust just before it engulfed her car, in which she took shelter.

Meggan Wood took this shot on July 5, 2011, in Maricopa, Ariz. She caught a picture of wind whipping up dust just before it engulfed her car, in which she took shelter.

(Image credit: Meggan Wood)

Meggan Wood took this shot on July 5, 2011, in Maricopa, Ariz. She caught a picture of wind whipping up dust just before it engulfed her car, in which she took shelter.

Live Science Staff
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