Shelf clouds cover Columbus, central Ohio during Tuesday storms

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tuesday afternoon storms in central Ohio brought heavy rain and lightning to multiple counties but also unique, massive clouds. A severe thunderstorm warning hit Madison and Union counties during much the noon hour with the weakening storm coming through much of Columbus around 12:45 p.m. Unusual Cloud Formations Central Ohio residents [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tuesday afternoon storms in central Ohio brought heavy rain and lightning to multiple counties but also unique, massive clouds.

A severe thunderstorm warning hit Madison and Union counties during much the noon hour with the weakening storm coming through much of Columbus around 12:45 p.m.

Unusual Cloud Formations

Central Ohio residents saw shelf clouds across the region. These unique clouds are in the category of arcus clouds, which are low, horizontal formations that are frequently seen along the leading edge of a thunderstorm gust front.

The unusual formation that spans the sky, horizontally, is associated with a fast-moving complex or line of thunderstorms, marked by gusty winds just ahead of the rain.

Shelf clouds are dramatic, but are not associated with rotation or tornadic storms. The wedge shape reflects cooler air diving toward the surface. The dense rain-chilled outflow lifts warmer, humid air ahead of a solid line of storms, causing condensation that forms a shelf cloud.

The bright line that seemingly divides the cloud formation represents a break from thicker rain clouds below that have far more droplets. Light is scattered to a greater degree above the dark, dense low clouds that block out the sunlight.

Another interesting cloud that is rarer is a wave cloud, visible over Delaware County and parts of the Columbus area late this morning.

There are uncertainties regarding how this relatively newly classified cloud type, called asperitas, develops. The likely reason is strong winds associated with turbulent storm-related air currents in the lower atmosphere that accompany clashing air masses, possibly exciting a gravity wave that resembles ripples created when a stone is tossed into a pond.

Storm Team 4 is forecasting more scattered thunderstorms on Tuesday evening as well as widespread rain chances on Wednesday. Click here for the latest forecast.