When they say "The clouds were scudding along ... " this is what they mean. These low-lying cumulus clouds are "scudding" along driven by the brisk winds.
scud (sk
d)*
intr.v. scud·ded, scud·ding, scuds
1. To run or skim along swiftly and easily: dark clouds scudding by.
2. Nautical To run before a gale with little or no sail set.
n.
1. The act of scudding.
a. Wind-driven clouds, mist, or rain.
b. Ragged low clouds, moving rapidly beneath another cloud layer.