roll clouds {august 27, 2022}

I enjoy keeping my eye on the sky. Last weekend as T and I drove south and east from Findlay to Columbus, it was obvious that we were driving into rain. The clouds darkened and the color was that ominous, heavy gray. We looked over the fields of rural Ohio and saw the rain falling in the distance. And then, looking out my passenger side window, I saw it: a long cloud rolling toward us.

Clouds come in very unique shapes and sizes. After doing some research (google rolling clouds), I found out that this cloud is a roll cloud and it falls under the umbrella term of arcus clouds. Arcus cloud is the umbrella term used for low-lying accessory clouds that spread out horizontally, usually from the boundary of a more extensive storm system like a thunderstorm. These cloud formations have a visually striking appearance. 

Arcus clouds are divided into two main categories: Shelf Clouds and Roll Clouds. As a result, arcus clouds are either wedge-shaped or in the shape of a horizontal tube-shaped column. They pose no direct danger in the form of precipitation or strong winds, but in many cases, act as a precursor for approaching thunderstorms and severe weather. The shelf cloud is the best-known arcus cloud formation. The roll cloud is the shelf cloud’s less famous cousin.

The appearance of roll clouds is a relatively rare occurrence. A roll cloud is a rare type of arcus cloud characterized by its round tube-shaped formation, which forms at very low altitudes and appears to rotate on its horizontal axis. It acts as a single wave known as a soliton and develops completely independent from other clouds. Although not physically attached to a parent cloud, a roll cloud still forms at the leading edge or gust front of a storm system. We drove through off and on buckets of rain coming down along with poor visibility.

To top everything off, the fuel indicator dinged. 50 miles to an empty tank and here we are in the middle of nowhere. Even though we weren’t that far from civilization, it was just one more stressor. But you know that old saying, "After the rain comes the rainbow..."

Voila!