Severe Storms and Their Clouds

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Skies become ominous whenever severe weather rolls through. Within those darkened skies, however, there are clouds that you will only see during thunderstorms. Knowing what they look like and what they mean can go a long way in helping you decide when to take shelter.

1. Cumulonimbus. Possibly the most common sight during severe weather. With these clouds, strong thunderstorms are likely and severe storms are possible.

2. Shelf cloud. These foreboding clouds are typically found along the leading edge of a front or an outflow boundary from a collapsing thunderstorm. They get their name from the unusual wedge shape that they have. With these clouds, strong, possibly damaging winds could be approaching.

3. Wall cloud. They form because of the strong winds that are feeding air into the thunderstorm. With these clouds, a severe thunderstorm could produce a tornado at any moment. Seek shelter immediately and stay away from windows.

4. Funnel cloud. As the name conveys, these clouds are funnel-shaped. A funnel cloud becomes a tornado if it touches the ground or a waterspout if it touches the surface of the water. With these clouds, a tornado is imminent. Follow your tornado safety plan immediately.

5. Scud. These ragged clouds are usually found unattached to the base of a cumulonimbus cloud, shelf cloud, or the leading edge of a front. These clouds are usually harmless.

6. Mammatus. These clouds look like puffy pouches that you would see in a quilt. If associated with a cumulonimbus cloud, a severe storm could be headed your way.