Spectacular 'cloud tsunami' rolls over Florida high-rise condos

[n2doc]

By Natalia Jimenez, msnbc.com
Helicopter pilot Mike Schaeffer was wrapping up a tour when he spotted this incredible weather phenomenon along the coast of Panama City Beach, Fl. on Sunday. As soon as he landed, he alerted Panhandle Helicopter owner JR Hott of the "cloud form waves," and together they went up for a better view. They moved quickly knowing that it is only in very specific weather conditions that this beautiful effect occurs. While the online community has dubbed this a "cloud tsunami," Hott disagrees with the popular moniker:

I wouldn't call it a "cloud tsunami." The term tsunami implies a natural disaster. The event, while it can form quickly, moves gently and slowly. It isn't something that happens with more than a gentle breeze.

While the images appear non-threatening and peaceful, as an experienced pilot, Hott has been trained to treat all fog and clouds as if they are solid objects. He and Schaeffer were very careful approaching in the air to get a better view. Fortunately, because of the location of the condos, they were able to approach the cloud waves from the side and did not place themselves in the direct path of the fog.

more
http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/10/10375026-spectacular-cloud-tsunami-rolls-over-florida-high-rise-condos

[kestrel91316]

1. Reminds me of how the fog rolls in over the Santa Monica Mountains sometimes.

They flow like something alive.

[marybourg]

3. And Sandia Peak

in Albuquerque.

[madamesilverspurs]

4. Exactly what I thought of.

There were mornings when I was late to school because I stopped walking in order to watch that slow-motion waterfall roll off the mountain. And the colors! Wish we'd had digital cameras back in the '60s. . .

[liberal N proud]

2. I was in Clearwater once when something similar happened

It was freaky, we saw it coming and made a mad dash to the car and watched it roll through.

We asked a police officer if there were any warnings and were told no.

[pangaia]

6. I must be reading too much repub campaign trash..

I though the headline said "High-rise Condoms."

[peace frog]

16. If we're talking repubs

the condoms won't rise that "high".

[Little Star]

7. Those pictures are really something, especially the last one you posted! n/t

[Odin2005]

8. That is amazing! Thanks!

[tclambert]

9. It looks like something from a Stephen King story.

There oughta be monsters dropping out of that weird mist.

[roguevalley]

10. Oh sweet God. Thank you for this. How beautiful!

[LongTomH]

11. Fantastic imagery! Thanks for posting!

Gotta email this to friends!

[secondvariety]

12. Cool

[MarkCharles]

13. Thanks for this!

I have been there once, in February. It was cloudy and rainy lots of the time.

But the sunny days were wonderful.

[greiner3]

14. My son, his family and my ex in-laws live in Panama City Becah.

Maybe the ex in-laws might have seen this on the news maybe but my son would have been shooting em up on 'Modern Warfare 3' all day long.

[Are_grits_groceries]

15. Now imagine that as water!

That is what an East Coast tsunami would look like. People would be SOL!

[emsimon33]

17. Very cool!