Funnel cloud


People often use the terms tornado and funnel cloud interchangeably. There is however a distinct difference. A condensation funnel is a tornado, not a funnel cloud, if either a) it is in contact with the ground or b) a debris cloud or dust whirl is visible beneath it. Funnel clouds have no detectable debris or damage at ground level. The same is true for waterspouts. If there is a dark spot appearing on the sea surface underneath a condensation funnel, than it is a waterspout. If not, it's a funnel cloud.


Related features:
Accessory clouds
Doppler radar


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