An estimated 15, 000 sought shelter from lightning and wind Thursday, according to the Times Record newspaper of Fort Smith, Ark.

NPR: Tornadoes Touch Down In Oklahoma And Arkansas

Among the hazards expected there Wednesday: lightning, wind and ice, with a little snow and sleet thrown on top for good measure.

CNN: 18 states in path of winter storm

"The brunt of the storm itself was intense but short -- there was very strong rain and wind for about 15 minutes, at which point the rain cleared and the lightning show began, " said Matthew Burke, a CNN iReporter who photographed lightning sprawling across the New York City skyline.

CNN: N.Y. state official among 3 killed during powerful storms

Baron understood well the relationships between lightning strikes and weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation and wind.

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