Check out this Instagram post from AccuWeather featuring a video captured by Danielle Kinnamont in Thurmont, Maryland. In the video, a white tornado-shaped cloud is seen moving slowly through a field on May 5. Danielle’s daughter can be heard asking if it could be fog, to which the response is essentially correct.
In certain rare thunderstorm occurrences with high humidity, particularly in the Eastern U.S., a tube of white condensation can develop, illustrating the updrafts and downdrafts within a thunderstorm. Storm chasers commonly refer to these tubular clouds as “scud vacuums.” While they may resemble tornadoes, they are harmless, sluggish, vertical formations akin to fog banks.
A similar instance of a scud vacuum was observed in Kentucky in 2021. Despite being referred to as scud clouds by chasers, these tubular formations differ from traditional scud clouds, which are typically darker, wispy, faster-moving, and hang down from the cloud. When obstructed by trees or buildings, discerning whether the cloud is in contact with the ground can be challenging.
These scud clouds were photographed near AccuWeather’s headquarters in State College, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 2012. Although often mistaken for funnel clouds or tornadoes due to their intimidating appearance, scud clouds lack the rotation associated with tornadoes.
The key to distinguishing between a “scary-looking cloud” and an actual tornado lies in observing the rotation. If there is upward movement without rapid rotation resembling a blender, it is likely just a scud cloud. However, if rotation is present, seek shelter as it may indicate a funnel cloud about to touch down as a tornado.
