Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm from a Unique.

Thunderstorm is an Elite Affix that spawns on random Elites, Champions, and some Uniques in Diablo III and Reaper of Souls. It was added to Diablo 3 in Patch 2.0.1, released around the time of Reaper of Souls.

The Thunderstorm effect calls down repeated lightning strikes in the same spot, each one creating a nova-effect on the ground that covers about a 10 yards radius. Thunderstorm pulses about half a dozen times in the same location, and characters who keep on their toes can see it starting and move aside, taking little damage. It's much harder to avoid during an intense battle, especially for melee characters who are locked in place during the fight.

Ranged attackers find this Affix annoying, since it will often appear right on top of them, even if they are a good distance from the boss with the property. That said, the overall damage is not very high, and this is considered one of the less deadly of the Elite Affixes.

Thunderstorm

• Monster Level Minimum: 10
• Available to: Random Elites, Champions, and some Uniques. (Not minions.)
• Damage Type: Lightning
• Additional Resistances: Unknown.
• Can Not Spawn With: Unknown.

Strategy

Alert players can spot the Thunderstorm when it first begins and move out of the way. The strikes all occur in the same location, so only one dodge is required. Elites will generally cast another Thunderstorm a few seconds after the first one, and Champions with this ability can all cast them at once, creating overlapping effects.

Lightning resistance is, of course, the best way to limit the damage of this attack.

Gallery

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  Thunderstorm from a Unique.

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  Deranged Cultist champion.

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  Thunderstorm on a random Elite.