Clouds take on a multitude of shapes and features when viewed from satellite.

• Developing thunderstorms often look like popcorn
• As a thunderstorm grows, the top of the storm often spreads out in the shape of an anvil that moves downwind in a solid cap extending into wispy streaks
• As storms grow into larger organized systems, they can take on linear shapes (squall lines) or group into clusters (convective complexes)

Meteorologists not only track thunderstorms, they also track tropical and mid-latitude storms.

Tropical storms or hurricanes have a distinct spiral shape and include the clear eye at the center of a mature storm. Mid-latitude storms take on a comma shape as the system grows and matures. You can see both a mid-latitude storm and a hurricane in the adjacent satellite loop.

Use the media control buttons to play, pause, or step through the loop above. The hurricane was Opal, which collided with the mid-latitude storm several days after this satellite image was produced. You can explore Hurricane Opal imagery in the Explore Hurricanes section, available from the main menu.