Scud clouds - Ominous-looking but not dangerous

A concerning cloud appeared in Atlanta on Tuesday. While this cloud may resemble a tornado, it wasn't; it was a harmless feature called a scud cloud.

Numerous residents of the Atlanta metro reported seeing a funnel cloud or a tornado on Tuesday, but the cloud they observed was actually a harmless scud cloud. Scud clouds are frequently mistaken for tornadoes or funnel clouds, but there are a few key differences.

Scud clouds are low, often ragged, cloud formations that often form beneath larger clouds and thunderstorms. They form when rising, moist air saturates and condenses at a lower altitude than the main cloud base.

While scud clouds can be mistaken for tornadoes, they don't rotate and are harmless. If you're not sure whether you're seeing a scud cloud or a tornado, check your Weather & Radar alerts to see if there's a severe storm in your area.