Stratus cloud Stratus cloud Stratus clouds are low-level clouds characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base, as opposed to convective or cumuliform clouds that are formed by rising thermals. More specifically, the term "stratus" is used to describe flat, hazy, featureless clouds of low altitude varying in color from dark gray to nearly white. The word "stratus" comes from the Latin prefix "strato-", meaning "layer". Stratus clouds may produce a light drizzle or a small amount of snow. These clouds are essentially above-ground fog formed either through the lifting of morning fog or through cold air moving at low altitudes over
Scud (cloud) tornado, landspout, or waterspout. The difference is determinable by observing the presence or absence of rotation (not just movement) of the scud clouds. If rotation is present, then a tornado, landspout, or waterspout is possible, and the more intense the rotation, the more likely. Viewing scud clouds means that there is a cumulonimbus parent cloud. Rain, hail, strong wind, and lightning can be expected from the parent cloud. Scud (cloud) Pannus, or scud clouds, is a type of fractus cloud at low height above ground, detached, and of irregular form found beneath nimbostratus or cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds are often