'Morning Glory'

Something I have not seen ....

Travellers on cloud nine over 'Morning Glory'
Wednesday September 15, 2010 - 07:22 EST
A rare meteorological event has begun over Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria with the first 'Morning Glory' clouds of the season being spotted.

Every spring, people travel from around the world to see the spectacular cloud formation.

Morning Glory clouds have been seen on Sweers and Mornington islands in the Gulf this week.

Tex Battle from Sweers Island says while the massive cloud formations occur at other locations, the Gulf is only place in the world where it can be predicted every year.

"The cloud can be up to 600 kilometres long and they roll across the Gulf," he said.

"It appears to be rolling backwards as it comes towards you at about 25 kilometres an hour - it is an awesome sight.

"Just the appearance of them - they come in from the north-east, therefore they block out the morning sun.

"The sky goes dark, the temperature drops a couple of degrees, the wind comes up and this massive cloud formation goes overhead.

"Within 10 minutes, the wind has dropped, the sun is back up and you have a spectacular view of the back of the cloud."

- ABC

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