Oregon and Coast Weird Weather Watch Today: Funnel Clouds

Published 06/20/2013

(Oregon Coast) – The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Portland issued an unusual weather alert today: the possibility of a funnel cloud in Oregon, or even on the north Oregon coast and central Oregon coast. The alert was issued for today, Thursday, June 20 – ironically, the day that summer starts. (Above: moody clouds over Cannon Beach)

The NWS said this current combination unseasonably cool upper level low pressure and some very strong sunshine and surface heating is causing a very unstable air mass near the surface.

“As a result, strong updrafts within heavier showers may result in weak rotation and brief cold core funnel clouds today,” the NWS said. “These funnel clouds are fairly typical in this weather pattern and rarely touch the as tornadoes.”

If a funnel cloud touches down it is then considered a tornado – and those chances are extremely slim, even if one occurs today. If one touches down on the ocean along the Oregon coast, it would be considered a waterspout.

A funnel cloud is formed by condensed water droplets when accompanied by a rotating column of wind – or vortices, as it's sometimes referred to. These come from cumulus clouds, which are fairly typical of today. They are often accompanied by thunderstorm cells as well, but no thunderstorms have been reported around Oregon today.

According to weather experts, if the funnel cloud passes overhead you can hear a buzzing noise. It can also bring on a distinctive pressure drop as well.

See more Oregon coast weather here, including weather for Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Pacific City, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Oceanside, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport and Yachats.

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