Funnel cloud forms in Scottsdale
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Arizona is not used to this weather.
People in Scottsdale were surprised when they saw a cold air funnel cloud near Talking Stick Resort on Sunday afternoon.
A cold air funnel is a high based, weak circulation that occurs in a cool air mass. It develops well above the earth's surface. Since it is high based and weak, they rarely impact the earth's surface, although they can look threatening.
Unlike typical tornadoes, cold air funnels develop in a shallow cool air mass and often behind a cold frontal passage.
The cloud is part of a storm system that brought rain to the Valley and snow to the high country.
[READ MORE: Storm fills up Valley rain gauges; snow blankets Flagstaff]
How do cold air funnels form? Check out this infographic. Common in winter, but rarely make contact with ground. #azwx #science #Weather pic.twitter.com/keQMtTpVZI
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 20, 2017
Cold air funnel cloud spotted by Salt River Fire Dept 326PM, Scottsdale, AZ Photo courtesy Anthony Badalamenti #AZWX https://t.co/HhkOYnWGOI pic.twitter.com/r1eCmGbDU2
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 19, 2017
Cool shot of Scottsdale funnel cloud by @lauraehobson #az #azfamily #funnelcloud https://t.co/xlJ9gfLzGb
— Lina de Florias (@linadeflorias) February 19, 2017
Pics and reports of a funnel cloud in North Scottsdale. pic.twitter.com/hDWmMy4uzR
— Lina de Florias (@linadeflorias) February 19, 2017
Anyone see what looks to be a funnel cloud in Scottsdale today? Share your pics with #azfamily pic.twitter.com/acuh2cdDGD
— Lina de Florias (@linadeflorias) February 19, 2017
Check out this funnel cloud near Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale! Thanks excellent.rv.adventure! #azwx #cbs5az pic.twitter.com/bPIVCtjMr3
— Lindsey Reiser (@LindseyReiser) February 19, 2017
Viewers are sending in pics of what appears to be a funnel cloud in Scottsdale today #azfamily #cbs5az pic.twitter.com/sTgePJL8cm
— Jared Dillingham (@JaredDillingham) February 19, 2017
Want to know what a "cold air funnel" cloud is - ck my Facebook page for a quick explanation. https://t.co/SASMANmEa4 pic.twitter.com/YXB8jWKj9W
— Ashlee DeMartino (@AshleeDeMartino) February 19, 2017
A cold air funnel was spotted in North Scottsdale today. Picture from Christina Sowle. #azwx pic.twitter.com/MZmu3vHaM6
— Ian Schwartz (@SchwartzTV) February 19, 2017
Wow check out this funnel cloud off the 101 near Talking Stick #azfamily pic.twitter.com/h80UeEHP1M
— BRANDON LEE 3TV (@BrandonLeeTV) February 19, 2017
Thanks @Dan_Moreno_13 #azfamily https://t.co/ibrU9QkQfb
— Kim Quintero (@KimQuintero) February 19, 2017
Another view, Thanks! #azfamily https://t.co/SHqQ8P2uFK
— Royal Norman (@royalnorman) February 19, 2017
Decent pic if east Valley funnel just before 3 o'clock #azfamily https://t.co/1BHUC9Ruj7
— Royal Norman (@royalnorman) February 19, 2017
Whoa! @nckohls reports seeing this funnel cloud just moments ago. This was his view from Top Golf in Scottsdale. Did u see it? #azfamily pic.twitter.com/Beq3uEa5OL
— Kim Quintero (@KimQuintero) February 19, 2017
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