x
Breaking News
More () »

No really, some funnel clouds aren’t really that dangerous

Bet you never thought you’d hear a Meteorologist say that some funnel clouds aren’t dangerous. And I’ll even add that the scariest-looking clo...
funnel

Bet you never thought you’d hear a Meteorologist say that some funnel clouds aren’t dangerous. And I’ll even add that the scariest-looking clouds are almost not really dangerous.

No really, some funnel clouds aren’t really that dangerous

Pretty easy to see there is a funnel cloud there. But this isn’t the type of funnel cloud that would’ve grown into a full-fledged tornado. Here’s what was going on: The cumulus clouds were growing so fast yesterday, the air currents were fast enough to produce a small funnels underneath a few of them. Sometimes when we look up it’s hard to imagine how tall these clouds are. Keep in mind, we are only viewing the underside of them! It’s like trying to understand what’s under a car’s hood when you’re just looking at the license plate.

Most times, the scariest, most turbulent part of a cloud is well above you, not able to be seen. That’s why we analyze Doppler Radar so closely during storm events.

So here’s why this funnel cloud wasn’t dangerous. Sarah is viewing a funnel that is produced by a storm growing very rapidly. Yet, we know by observing how these clouds are growing, there is very little wind shear (an ingredient necessary for tornadoes). Clouds that were 500 feet tall, grew to 30,000 feet within about 30 minutes. That’s growing at more than 5 miles in a half hour! That’s about as fast as most people leisurely run down the street. As the clouds grow, the upward moving air currents form little circulations, or vortexes. Very rarely do these touch the ground. And if they do, they are hardly ever producing wind strong enough to do damage.

So this is a funnel cloud that is not dangerous. What about the other impressive clouds that were spotted yesterday?

No really, some funnel clouds aren’t really that dangerous

Ron Watson caught some awesome clouds! Yeah, these would bring a smile to my face (especially with Doppler Radar data at my finger tips that proves they aren’t severe). They certainly look scary! But they really aren’t that bad. On the scale of scariness they are probably just above the funnel cloud picture.

This is a great example of a roll cloud. Not to be confused with a shelf cloud, roll clouds are usually detached from the rest of the storm. Both shelfs and rolls can be indicators of some gusty wind. And at times that wind could be above severe limits, but wind moving in one direction as opposed to a circulating tornado.

The jagged “fingers” that are hanging down from the roll cloud in the bottom picture are not funnels. Rather, they are just pieces of condensation hanging under the cloud.

When people tell me they are unsure whether they are looking at a funnel cloud, I tell them “When you are really seeing a funnel cloud, you’ll know it!” The National Weather Service also has a phrase “If it doesn’t spin, don’t call it in!”

Please consider that the past few tornado events we’ve had have had “rain-wrapped” tornadoes. Those are tornadoes surrounded by rain. You can’t see them when you’re driving through the rain. You can’t see them outside your window when they’re approaching. But Doppler Radar is almost always able to see them. That’s why we tell you to seek shelter instead of going out to get a glimpse at it.

Great shots, you guys! As always, we welcome any and all weather photos.  These were uploaded to my WQAD Facebook page. Please give me a like and be a part of the conversation.

-Meteorologist Eric Sorensen

Before You Leave, Check This Out