![]() Shear - Variation in wind speed ( speed shear) and/or direction ( directional shear) over a short distance. Structural wind damage may imply the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm. *Severe Thunderstorm - A thunderstorm which produces tornadoes, hail 0.75 inches or more in diameter, or winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or more. SELS - SEvere Local Storms Unit, former name of the Operations Branch of the StormPrediction Center ( SPC) in Norman, OK (formerly in Kansas City, MO). Such clouds generally are associated with cool moist air, such as thunderstorm outflow. *Scud (or Fractus) - Small, ragged, low cloud fragments that are unattached to a larger cloud base and often seen with and behind cold fronts and thunderstorm gust fronts. Quick Alpha Access: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z These clouds bring most dangerous weather such as rain, lightning, hail and tornadoes.COMPREHENSIVE GLOSSARY OF WEATHER TERMS FOR STORM SPOTTERS The anvil tends to point in the direction the storm is moving. What kinds of clouds would predict thunderstorms?Ĭumulonimbus are cumulus clowds that have grown vertically into an anvil-like shape. (“Nimbus” comes from the Latin word for “rain.”) Two examples are the nimbostratus or cumulonimbus clouds. Clouds that produce rain and snow fall into this category. The prefix “nimbo-” or the suffix “-nimbus” are low-level clouds that have their bases below 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above the Earth. These clouds can forecast some of the most extreme weather, including heavy rain, hail, snow, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. What cloud indicates an approaching bad weather?Ĭumulonimbus clouds – thunder clouds that have built up from cumulus clouds. They often stretch for miles across the sky and may have finger (non rotating) like clouds reaching toward the ground. (KEYC) – A shelf cloud is a long wedge shape cloud that forms on the leading edge of a squall line or multi-cluster storm system. This particular storm system was fed by a heat dome over the eastern United States. ![]() What’s a derecho storm?Ī derecho, pronounced deh-REY-cho, is a long-lived, fast-moving thunderstorm that causes widespread wind damage. Hail, high winds and tornadoes could accompany any severe thunderstorms that develop. Meaning: Strong thunderstorms are likely and severe storms are possible. These are sometimes called anvil clouds because of the way the upper-level winds shear the tops of the clouds and push them to one side. While they are not themselves dangerous, like a wall cloud, tail clouds are often indicative of severe weather and potential tornadic activity. They are often bent on an axis that is not quite horizontal and not quite vertical. Tail clouds look like a funnel or tornado in many ways. What do clouds look like before a tornado? An approaching cloud of debris, especially at ground level.A loud roar that sounds similar to a freight train.A strange quiet occurring within or shortly after a thunderstorm.The color of the sky may change to a dark greenish color.How do you know when there is going to be a tornado? Shelf clouds form when the cooler air of a thunderstorm encounters warm, humid air and lifts it. They announce the arrival of storms and, when combined with cumulonimbus thunderheads, can look like giant alien motherships. Shelf clouds, also known as arcus clouds, occur at the leading edge of thunderstorms. A shelf cloud will usually be associated with a solid line of storms. ![]() ![]() Oftentimes, these tornadoes are rain-wrapped and short-lived. Remember, that the main threat with any squall line is severe damaging winds associated with the shelf cloud, although brief spin-up tornadoes can occur. If you see one, remember that the cloud itself is completely harmless, but it’s a tell-tale sign that you should get inside before the storm hits. Shelf clouds will become a common sight for many once severe weather season ramps up. The wind will come first with rain following behind it. Often times, these tornadoes are rain-wrapped and short-lived. What does it mean when you see a shelf cloud?
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