Survival Guide: Recognize Which Clouds Mean Danger – Series Part 2

During severe weather outbreaks, conditions can change rapidly and the weather can turn volatile quickly. It is crucial to follow severe weather and tornado-related watches and warnings during episodes of severe storms. Keeping a weather radio nearby, with extra batteries handy, is a must. If you are out on the open road, staying tuned to severe weather alerts and being able to read the clouds for severe weather can help save your life. This week we present a breakdown of ominous-looking clouds and the dangers associated with them.

 



Shelf Cloud

Shelf clouds often form at the leading edge of a gust front or outflow boundary from a thunderstorm or strong winds flowing down and outward from a storm. The outer part of a shelf cloud is often smoother with a notable rising motion exhibited by a tiered look (hence, the name shelf cloud). Underneath, a turbulent, unsettled appearance is often the case.  A shelf cloud should be seen as a harbinger of strong winds, so take caution.

Wall Cloud

A wall cloud is a cloud that is lowered from a thunderstorm, forming when rapidly rising air causes lower pressure below the storm's main updraft. "Wall clouds can range from a fraction of a mile up to nearly 5 miles in diameter," according to the National Weather Service.  Wall clouds that rotate are a warning sign of very violent thunderstorms. They can be an indication that a tornado will touch down within minutes or even within an hour.