On Sunday, September 24, Oklahoma residents were in for quite a scare as many spotted an ominous cloud resembling that of a mushroom cloud you would expect to see following a nuclear blast. Residents shared pictures and video of the cloud formation online, which was a byproduct of a severe storm.
A mammoth cumulus cloud appeared to be moving up through a stratus cloud, creating an eerie mushroom-like image straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie.
Weather experts believe that this unusual cloud pattern is what caused the hail and high winds in Central Oklahoma and some parts of Texas over the weekend.
The skies over Norman, Oklahoma, on Sunday looked like the aftermath of a nuclear bomb, thanks to clouds brought by a strong storm.
Read more: https://t.co/dosQQjL3AU pic.twitter.com/bbNEedTPjD
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) September 25, 2023
Video footage captured by onlookers shows a huge cumulus pushing through a stratus cloud at sunset on Sunday night. The Fowler Family Farm in Paoli, located south of Norman, posted another clip showing the formation stretching across their rural horizon as wind can be heard picking up.
This bizarre scene prompted comparisons to nuclear blasts from those who witnessed it firsthand.
The National Weather Service (NWS) station issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for Central Oklahoma over the weekend due to table-tennis-sized hail that was predicted for Seminole County. Sure enough, Texas State Representative Carolina Harris documented photos of massive size hail hitting Round Rock which is North of Austin as these predictions came true.
It appears as though meteorologists have been able to accurately predict extreme weather events with more precision than ever before.
Watching the hail from under an overpass at IH35 and 620. Everyone stay safe and listen to the warnings. #Wilco #txlege pic.twitter.com/ZkHq5GNJZO
— Caroline Harris State Representative (@CarolineForTX) September 25, 2023
Each day we are seeing increasingly powerful storms that bring with them destructive winds, flooding rains, lightning strikes and even tornadoes – all threatening lives across America’s heartland states like Oklahoma and Texas year after year without fail.
Incredible amount of hail damage in Round Rock, TX. Didn't see a single parked car that didn't have a cracked windshield or blown out rear window. Major problems on I-35 as well with lots of fire/police activity. pic.twitter.com/DsAomJjUgk
— Gabe Cox (@gabecox) September 25, 2023
It is natural for people living close to these events to become concerned when witnessing huge clouds resembling those formed by nuclear bombs but thankfully there was no cause for alarm here since weather experts were able to confirm its cause shortly afterwards.
It is amazing how Mother Nature can create such beautiful yet eerie sights at times.
