A striking video of a huge shelf cloud moving over the Washington DC area has gone viral on social media. It appeared as strong storms hit the region, with weather officials warning about flash floods and severe thunderstorms in and around the capital.
The video, shared on X, was reportedly taken in Bowie, Maryland. It shows a dark, low cloud spreading across the suburbs. As the cloud passed, the daylight suddenly dimmed, making the area look like it was in an eerie twilight.
An X user posted, "Shelf cloud seen moving through the DC area while flash flood, thunderstorm, and tornado warnings were active. The cloud (video below) was filmed in Bowie, Maryland."
According to a report by the Washington Post, tornado, thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings were in effect across parts of the region when the shelf cloud was spotted. While the most intense storms had moved east of the capital by late evening, heavy rain lingered, particularly in and around DC, prompting a flood watch and a severe thunderstorm alert to remain in place for several counties.
Meteorologists say shelf clouds are often seen at the leading edge of powerful storm systems. Typically accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, they serve as visual indicators of potentially dangerous weather. Although shelf clouds themselves are not tornadoes, they often precede conditions conducive to severe thunderstorms or tornadic activity.
According to WTOP, the severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect until 9pm, while flood advisories continued late into the night. Local stations also reported temporary ground halts at airports like Reagan National and Dulles, as safety measures were enacted.
Local authorities urged residents to remain indoors during the peak of the storm and to exercise caution as downpours may continue into the night, threatening low-lying areas with potential flooding.
More severe weather could still be on the cards, as officials monitor the weather conditions. Residents have been advised to stay tuned to local forecasts and emergency alerts.
The video, shared on X, was reportedly taken in Bowie, Maryland. It shows a dark, low cloud spreading across the suburbs. As the cloud passed, the daylight suddenly dimmed, making the area look like it was in an eerie twilight.
An X user posted, "Shelf cloud seen moving through the DC area while flash flood, thunderstorm, and tornado warnings were active. The cloud (video below) was filmed in Bowie, Maryland."
JUST IN: Shelf cloud spotted moving through the D.C. region as flash flood, thunderstorm, and tornado warnings were in effect.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 10, 2025
The shelf cloud (video below) was spotted moving through Bowie, Maryland.
"The strongest storms have moved east of the region, but rain is slow… pic.twitter.com/2CMTjhG43f
According to a report by the Washington Post, tornado, thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings were in effect across parts of the region when the shelf cloud was spotted. While the most intense storms had moved east of the capital by late evening, heavy rain lingered, particularly in and around DC, prompting a flood watch and a severe thunderstorm alert to remain in place for several counties.
Meteorologists say shelf clouds are often seen at the leading edge of powerful storm systems. Typically accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, they serve as visual indicators of potentially dangerous weather. Although shelf clouds themselves are not tornadoes, they often precede conditions conducive to severe thunderstorms or tornadic activity.
According to WTOP, the severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect until 9pm, while flood advisories continued late into the night. Local stations also reported temporary ground halts at airports like Reagan National and Dulles, as safety measures were enacted.
Local authorities urged residents to remain indoors during the peak of the storm and to exercise caution as downpours may continue into the night, threatening low-lying areas with potential flooding.
More severe weather could still be on the cards, as officials monitor the weather conditions. Residents have been advised to stay tuned to local forecasts and emergency alerts.
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