NOAA's Weather in Focus Photo Contest-Some Photos...

Freezing rain attempts to halt spring in this image captured by Mike Shelby, from Elkridge, Maryland, taking home second place in the "smartphone images" category. (Credit: Mike Shelby.)

With a Bang by Bob Larson, Prescott, AZ
NOAA describes this category: "Remember safety first, but sometimes weather can develop in the blink of an eye supplying amazing photographic opportunities. Images depict both the subtle and extreme power of weather and climate, including images of extreme drought, floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes as well as snowscapes and landscapes."

Proton arc over Lake Superior by Ken William, Clio, MI

 Stars behind the storm by Brad Goddard, Orion, IL