"One of the rarest clouds ever" forms over Nevada sky

news image
Special Stories
9 Mar 2018 4:41 PM
It is called a horseshoe cloud... Because, well, it's shaped like a horseshoe. Christy Grimes caught a glimpse of what the National Weather Service calls "one of the rarest clouds ever." https://twitter.com/NWSElko/status/972145339628249089 Grimes shot the photos near Battle Mountain Thursday and sent them to the National Weather Service office in Elko, Nevada. So, with it being one of the rarest clouds, everyone is stuck wondering how the clouds form. The Elko National Weather Service office gave this great explanation:
"An updraft pushes flattish cumulus clouds up and a horizontal vortex develops from differential updraft speeds. As the vortex climbs, it gets caught in the faster horizontal winds aloft, and the middle part of the vortex catches the faster speeds with the ends being slower. The result is that the center of the vortex pulls out ahead. Various time lapses can be found online."
So, if you ever see a horseshoe cloud, make sure to snap a photo, because you're one of the lucky ones.
All Weather News
More
Isaias Makes Landfall as A Category 2, Impacts Spreading North

Isaias Makes Landfall as A Category 2, Impacts Spreading North

Hurricane Isaias has made landfall near Desti

10 Oct 2026 12:15 PM
Tropics: Rachel Heads Towards California, Simon Expected to Strengthen

Tropics: Rachel Heads Towards California, Simon Expected to Strengthen

Pacific BasinThe Pacific Ocean has been incre

9 Oct 2026 11:45 PM
Tropical Storm Watch for San Diego, Rachel Heads Toward the Southwest

Tropical Storm Watch for San Diego, Rachel Heads Toward the Southwest

Heavy rain and gusty winds are likely for the

9 Oct 2026 10:40 PM
Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

Deep tropical moisture streaming north from t

8 Oct 2026 1:00 PM
Fall Chill Grips the East While Record Heat Bakes the West

Fall Chill Grips the East While Record Heat Bakes the West

A major temperature divide is unfolding acros

7 Oct 2026 10:00 AM
Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

A noticeable change in the weather is on the

5 Oct 2026 12:05 PM
Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

WHAT TO EXPECTTropical moisture from the remn

2 Oct 2026 1:25 AM