Entry: "Rain the Desert," Namibia

"Over the last 7 years I had one aim - photograph rain in the driest desert of Africa. In 2015 finally I found the rain. In the breathtaking scenery of the NamibRand-Park right at the border of the Namib Naukluft Nationalpark. An enormous thunderstorm came in and the setting sun created a wonderful rainbow. The challenge was, to not have my shadow in the picture." (Photo and caption by Stefan Forster / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest)

From a striking image of an iconic New York City building during a winter storm that buried the Northeast to a breathtaking photo of a lioness lounging during sunset in the Okavango Delta, entries from the spotlight the spectacular moments made possible by Mother Nature.

Photographers from around the world have started submitting their entries for the opportunity to win the prestigious contest. Photographs so far feature severe weather events, stunning natural wonders, incredible wildlife and the awe-inspiring cultures of the world.

Photographer Michele Palazzo's shot of the Flatiron Building covered in snow during , which struck the Northeast in January, is one of the featured entries. "With the exception of a few minor details like logos and a food cart, the image looks like an impressionist right out of another another century," said Palazzo. "The cloudy atmosphere and gusty winds creates patterns that appear uncannily like brush strokes."

In another photo that featured the jaw-dropping forces of nature, photographer James Smart captured a dramatic scene—an ominous supercell looming over South Dakota in June 2015.

Ari Ross also captured a striking photo in harsh conditions, photographing a polar bear onWahlenbergfjorden in Norway's Svalbard region. "I was in a zodiac off shore when he sauntered down to the beach to sniff us out," Ross said. "Soon losing interest, he retreated for a nap and we left him in peace."

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The grand-prize award winner will receive a seven-day , a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. The contest, which is open now, ends May 27, 2016, at 12 p.m. EDT.

"Our Travel Photographer of the Year program is a way to show that our readers are among the world’s best travelers and photographers," said George Stone, editor in chief of National Geographic Travel. "We are passionate about visual storytelling and we hope that our contest will inspire our global audience to explore the planet and use photography to tell amazing stories."

Eligible contestants can visit to submit photographs in any or all of three categories: Nature, People and Cities.

Click through the slideshow above to see some of the entries to the contest.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Best Photos of 2015

A man rows a boat on the West Lake in the snow on Dec. 5, 2015 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China. (ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images)