THREATENING CLOUD

by Randy Wildman
(North Gower)

Took this picture over the top of the Local Home Depot store in Barrhaven (part of Ottawa). This cloud was turning on its side and growing outwards as it rolled.

Barry's Response - These https://www.stuffintheair.com/different-types-of-clouds.html">different types of clouds look rather tumultuous, Randy. Was there a tornado reported with this system? The greenish background seems to suggest that it was possible.

Because the photo is so close-up, it's hard to tell if it is a shelf cloud you captured, which extends from the front part of a thunderstorm. Shelf clouds normally have a more distinct shape than this one, but you may have found one in its formative stages.

When fully formed, they appear flatish on the bottom, sometimes with nearly vertical walls, like a solid triangularish or squarish extension of the storm. The surface texture often looks rough and turbulent especially on the bottom face. On the ground near this part of the storm can be cool gusty winds, the gust front, which kicks up dust and debris at times.

A similar feature of the storm occurs where it is not raining. We call it a wall cloud. Rotating wall clouds can also indicate tornadoes. You most likely see them when a large storm is north or northeast of you (in North America). Did this one have a tail by any chance?

Nice photo and thank you.



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