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Strange 'wall of cloud' passes over Kent and Sussex

11:00, 21 January 2020

updated: 10:00, 27 January 2020

Hundreds of people rushed for their cameras when a huge, ominous cloud passed over the county.

The unusual formation - described by many as a "wall" or "blanket" - was seen floating over Kent yesterday afternoon.

The cloud travelled across east Kent. Pic: Tayyaba Hameed Wassan
The cloud travelled across east Kent. Pic: Tayyaba Hameed Wassan
This stunning image was taken from the Devil's Kneading Trough near Wye. Pic: Tamzin Denny
This stunning image was taken from the Devil's Kneading Trough near Wye. Pic: Tamzin Denny

Former ITV weatherman Ron Lobeck, of Tyler Hill, told the Gazette it was a stratocumulus that formed due to an “inversion”, which saw a belt of warmer air form higher in the Earth’s atmosphere.

“The cloud was trapped under the inversion, and forming below,” explained Mr Lobeck. “It was probably only a couple of hundred foot thick. It was because of the high pressure system. Above that, it would have been clear as a bell.”

The formation was seen gliding over Folkestone, Ashford, Whitstable and Canterbury, prompting many to take to social media to post their images of the phenomenon.

Emma Twyman, who saw it over the A2, described it on Facebook as looking like a "fluffy duvet".

Freya Campbell, whose daughter Freisha-Jo snapped an impressive photo of the cloud over Market Way, Canterbury, at about 3.30pm, said: "Looked lovely.

The cloud was spotted near Joy Lane in Whitstable. Pic: Sandrine Alexandrine
The cloud was spotted near Joy Lane in Whitstable. Pic: Sandrine Alexandrine
It was seen over Market Way in Canterbury. Pic: Freisha-Jo Gillibrand
It was seen over Market Way in Canterbury. Pic: Freisha-Jo Gillibrand

"My daughter pointed it out to me - I wouldn’t have even noticed. Gives another meaning to ‘having your head in the clouds’."

Meanwhile, Simon Shackson Saw, who saw it above Wincheap said: "It reminded me of cutting some fabric with a pair of jagged edged scissors".

The cloud came as barometers measured some of the highest air pressure recorded in years yesterday.

Will Rose wrote: "Mates in Brighton were posting pics of the same clean line of cloud. It was the highest air pressure for 70 odd years today. Gorgeous day."

Others suggested it looked "ominous" and like something from a dystopian film.

Chloe Skinner snapped the cloud over Maidstone
Chloe Skinner snapped the cloud over Maidstone

Pat Moxham wrote on Facebook: "I saw that going though Faversham, thought it looked a bit scary."

Sam Rousell posted: "Independence Day! The aliens are here!"

Did you see the cloud? Let us know in the comments below.

For all the forecasts, warnings and weather related news, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from across Kent

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