Rare 'roll cloud' phenomenon captured in dramatic timelapse footage

An apocalyptic-looking roll cloud was spotted in Florida on Tuesday

Katie Forster
Saturday 02 April 2016 09:00 BST
Comments
Roll cloud moves through South Florida

A rare roll cloud passed over the town of Tamarac in southern Florida this week.

The tube-shaped cloud was captured in dramatic timelapse footage as it swept across the sky.

Despite its appearance, this type of cloud is not a type of tornado or a biblical omen, but a low, horizontal formation caused by an outflow of cold air.

A roll cloud is a type of arcus cloud. It is similar to a shelf cloud, but is unusually detached from the surrounding cloud features.

The phenomenon can last for several hours and often appear on the edge of a thunderstorm.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in