Tentative ID: Wall Cloud

Still learning a lot about storm cloud formations.

(Reference below from Iowa Weather.com)

 

- What is a Wall Cloud?

A wall cloud is a large, localized, persistent, and often abrupt lowering of cloud that develops beneath the surrounding base of a cumulonimbus cloud and from which tornadoes sometimes form. It is typically beneath the rain-free base portion of a thunderstorm and indicates the area of the strongest updraft within a storm. Rotating wall clouds are an indication of a mesocyclone in a thunderstorm; most strong tornadoes form from these. Many wall clouds do rotate, however, some do not.

 

- What does a wall cloud look like?

A wall cloud is a lowering from the base of a thunderstorm that hangs lower to the ground than the rest of the thunderstorm.

 

- Are shelf clouds dangerous?

Shelf clouds are mostly harmless in nature, but they can produce strong winds that can cause damage.

 

- Is a wall cloud dangerous?

By itself, a wall cloud is not dangerous. However, it needs to be closely watched as a tornado could form from it, which would then be dangerous.

 

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iowaweather.com/shelf-cloud-vs-wall-cloud/

 

 

Ref: IMG_6957

Taken July 1, 2023 - Mishawaka, IN (St. Joseph County)

Done