By DAN ROBINSON Storm Highway Editor/Cameraman

Bright flash outside. You brace your ears for what inevitably follows. No, it's not old men bowling in the sky. It's thunder- a fearful, audible reminder of the mighty power of lightning.

Lightning is the source of thunder. But what causes it? Why does it crackle, rumble and roll? What can thunder tell you about the lightning that made it? Just click below to find out.

How does lightning generate thunder?

Why does thunder sound the way it does?

How can I use thunder to tell how far away lightning struck?

Can thunder tell me what the lightning bolt looked like?