Scrappy Shelf Cloud Approaches

A shelf cloud with ragged texture approaches the Colton Circle condominiums near C Avenue and Boyson Road NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa just before 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. To the eye of the novice observer, this low hanging structure might be misconstrued as a funnel cloud. In actuality, it was the leading edge of a gust front, bringing with it heavy rain, some high wind and lightning. This view looks southwest.