Funnel cloud forms in Scottsdale

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A funnel cloud was spotted in Scottsdale. (Source: 3TV/CBS 5) A funnel cloud was spotted in Scottsdale. (Source: 3TV/CBS 5)
(Source: 3TV/CBS 5) (Source: 3TV/CBS 5)
(Source: 3TV/CBS 5) (Source: 3TV/CBS 5)
(Source: 3TV/CBS 5) (Source: 3TV/CBS 5)
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -

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]

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