funnels

[Elinor McLennon]

when you see a funnel cloud, what exactly are you seeing?
i mean when it first starts dropping a funnel what makes it visible?
is it water vapor?
thanks alot.

p.s. i got to chase the marshal, ok storms. saw 2 tornados at the same time.
that was an awesome experience!

 

[Angie Norris]

Hi Elinor, if you want to use the NWS definition, a funnel cloud is "a rapidly rotating column of air pendant from a thunderstorm cloud not in contact with the ground". The condensation is what makes it visible, so in a way it is water vapor, since that is what clouds are...lots of water vapor that have condensed from saturation. The funnel itself doesn't have to appear to touch the ground to be considered a tornado. If you see a funnel with a dust plume underneath it or kicking around debris underneath it, then it's a tornado because it is in contact with the ground at that point. In other words, the condensation doesn't have to touch the ground to be considered a tornado, but it does help as visual evidence of the contact.
Hope that helps and I didn't thoroughly confuse you.
And congrats on your catch...that was an awesome storm!

 

[Elinor McLennon]

Thanks Angie.
That was a great answer...not too confusing.
Yes, those storms were pretty awesome....especially since I had no idea that it was going to happen....glad it was close to home
Have a great day.