Stranger things in Pennsylvania: state residents filmed a 'ragged tornado'

Residents of the state of Pennsylvania (USA) filmed an unusual atmospheric phenomenon over the roofs of residential buildings, visually resembling a ragged tornado.

In fact, eyewitnesses encountered the process of formation of "scud" clouds — low "ragged" fragments formed under thunderclouds in humid and turbulent air.

The unusual visual effect arises due to the specific movement of air masses. Such clouds from the side look as if they are drawing in the surrounding air and intensely rotating it. It is precisely because of this property that they become extremely similar to the funnel of a real tornado, which misled local residents.