Dramatic cloud formation resembled a smoke wall as it moved across local communities on May 25.
WHITEVILLE, NC — A dark, sweeping cloud formation moved across Columbus County late Sunday afternoon, prompting double‑takes from residents as storms pushed into the area. The low, dense cloud – described by many as looking like a “massive smoke screen” – stretched across the county line and advanced steadily toward Whiteville.
Meteorologists identified the feature as a shelf cloud, formed when warm, humid air rising from fields and neighborhoods meets the cooler outflow of an approaching storm. The result is a wedge‑shaped cloud that can appear to roll across the sky, especially on days with high humidity like Sunday.
The cloud line moved over downtown Whiteville around 4:13 p.m. and continued toward Lake Waccamaw and Bolton. Its dark underside and fast‑moving leading edge made the sky look briefly ominous, and while no warnings were issued, several had said, “let me tell you, the scene was jaw‑dropping” and unsettling enough that they “made sure they were right with God” as the storm approached.
Despite its tornado‑like appearance, a shelf cloud does not rotate and is not a sign of a developing funnel. It typically signals incoming gusty winds, a quick temperature drop, and heavy rain. No tornado warnings were issued for Columbus County during the event, and no storm‑related injuries were reported.
Residents across the county shared photos and videos as the cloud passed, capturing a moment of dramatic weather that briefly turned the sky over Whiteville into a rolling wall of gray.
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