The trouble-making thunderstorms California experienced last month brought an unusual cloud formation over the Pacific Ocean. Ned Alpers called it a “cloud-island.”

Jim Garlock saw it in Gualala and wrote, “I just looked outside and thought a new land mass had sprung out of the ocean. It was a cloud that has now disappeared, but it was certainly a strange view.”

John Wall saw it too. He wrote, “I saw this really interesting and unusual cloud formation as I was driving south by Stewart’s Point. It was worth pulling over to take a pic even though it got me stuck behind a Winnebago that wouldn’t pull over! [The cloud formation] made me want to dial up “Islands In the Sky.’ What an amazing place we live in!”

Scott Gasparian took a look at the photos and sent me several links that explained this rare phenomenon. It was a type of Arcus cloud called a Roll cloud, or a Morning Glory cloud. They can be created by downdrafts of thunderstorms.

Thanks to John, Jim and Ned for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Heat wave on the Mendonoma Coast! Might I tell you I do not like the heat? It's nearly 30 degrees hotter today than yesterday. At our home in Anchor Bay we are at 90 degrees this afternoon.