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Prescott Valley Funnel Cloud

Written by Lynne LaMaster

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

A funnel cloud seen in Prescott Valley yesterday at approximately 11 am. All photos courtesy of Trent Newton.

"I have a picture of a funnel cloud that formed just south of Prescott Valley," writes Trey Newton. And, with that, he sent in the photos below.

"This is from Prescott Lakes Golf & Country Club looking south east at 11:10 yesterday morning," Newton explained.

According to the Arizona Monsoon & Desert Meteorology section of the Arizona State University's website, "In particular, during severe thunderstorms (particularly in the cold-front produced thunderstorms of the fall) we will see what is often termed by the media cold air funnels. A cold air funnel is quite simply a funnel cloud, vortex of spinning air. If a cold air funnel cloud extends down to the ground, it becomes a tornado. In other words, a cold air funnel is a potential tornado and must be treated as such. A funnel cloud should not be taken lightly as any funnel cloud has the potential to become a tornado."

What about tornado safety?

The ASU site offers several pieces of advice to ensure safety in a tornado:

1. Do not attempt to outrun it.

2. If caught outdoors, find the lowest place possible and drop to the ground.

3. If you are in a vehicle, abandon it, and follow the instructions above.

4. In a building, the best place to be is in the lowest floor, in the center of the structure and in a small room if possible. Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. Bathrooms are recommended, because the pipes in the wall also help provide structural safety.