• While Stormtrack has discontinued its hosting of SpotterNetwork support on the forums, keep in mind that support for SpotterNetwork issues is available by emailing [email protected].

09/08/2007: OK "Cold Air Funnels"

  • Thread starter Thread starter Billy Griffin
  • Start date Start date

Billy Griffin

Observed a rather impressive cold air funnel that maintained weak rotation and condensation about 50% to the ground yesterday, near Enid, OK.
Will post photos ASAP.

I was taking the kids on a trip up to see some friends who run a bed and breakfast near Aline, OK. While on the drive up, we noticed a not too impressive, but unique series of towering Cu develop just to our west. Moments later, the base grew very dark but still had no precip, no lightning and no noticeable winds to get excited about. I guess the most impressive structure associated with this storm was the inflow band, which really did make me do a "double take" on what I was looking at.

As I passed through Waukomis (small town just minutes south of Enid), I noticed two highway patrol cars in the median, and I noticed I passed by them doing 5mph over the speed limit. (oops) When I looked to my left (west) to see if perhaps one was pulling out after me, that's when I saw the funnel begin to form, and as you can see in the pictures, it was pretty impressive for a non-chase, "nothing really even expected" event.

I didn't have my video camera with us, but fortunately, did have the 5D and snapped a few shots. This funnel was impressive in that it lasted for about 20 minutes, growing rather large (for a cold air funnel) at one point! :eek:

All in all, it was a nice surprise and the kids enjoyed having their photo with the thing. For me, I've been amazingly lucky this year. 20+ years of chasing, and most of the time I'm lucky if I see one or two a year. This year, they seem to be finding me! Hope you all enjoy the photos.
If I recall, I think the time of the event was somewhere around 6pm.

Billy
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As promised, here are the photos...

1. Funnel forms rapidly but still rather weak at this point.
Photo is looking due West from Waukomis, OK.

IMG_2249.jpg


2. Funnel begins growing in intensity and size (for a cold air event, that is.)

IMG_2279.jpg


3. A little closer to the funnel now, and it grows a little larger. Although not significant, rotation was visible.

IMG_2300.jpg


4. That's my (not so baby) girl, Katelyn! :-) She was so happy to have her picture finally taken with a funnel cloud. At this time, the funnel began to weaken. The kids and I were all very happy with the surprise event. It was a treat for them, and me too!

IMG_2388.jpg


5. There's my two kiddos... Billy (doesn't he look happy? :rolleyes: ) and Katelyn. The funnel even did a little "rope thing" at the end just before it totally fell apart.

IMG_2397.jpg


THE END
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Back
Top