Michigan Storm Front
January 02, 2009
Photographer: Duane Clausen, Northern Exposures Photography
Summary Author: Duane Clausen - Jim Foster
The photo above showing an impressive storm cloud near Menominee, Michigan was taken about 4:00 p.m. in early July of 2008. This shelf cloud or arc cloud marks an area of downdrafts and outflow from an approaching storm front. Within a few minutes after this picture was snapped, strong wind gusts lashed the area. Even though their appearance creates anxiety, and nearly always precedes potent winds, shelf clouds by themselves do not often cause notable damage.