On satellite images, a midlatitude cyclone is often identifiable by a comma-shaped cloud mass.

This visible satellite image shows how a single cyclone can influence the weather over a large area, (in this case from Texas into Minnesota). This particular storm left more than six inches of snow from Nebraska into Minnesota, while brief yet heavy rains occurred from Missouri into Texas.

MOVIE (QuickTime 1.3MB): Infrared Satellite Loop

Here is a movie loop of color enhanced infrared images spanning 18 hours. The center of the cyclone was initially located over the southcentral portions of the United States. As the cyclone evolved over time, notice the counterclockwise rotation of clouds around the cyclone center.