"Air Force Pilots Capture Rare St. Elmo's Fire Phenomenon During Hurricane Idalia"

St. Elmo's fire is a rare phenomenon characterized by bright flashes of apparent lightning that can occur during thunderstorms. Pilots captured footage of this phenomenon while evacuating from a Florida airbase. St. Elmo's fire is caused by excess electrons and an electric field within storm clouds, often concentrated around pointy objects. While it is not dangerous on its own, it can indicate the presence of storms and the potential for actual lightning strikes. Sailors historically considered it a sign of good luck, but caution is advised, and mariners are advised to seek shelter when St. Elmo's fire is observed.