A special cloud shape was seen above Zevenbergen on Wednesday: a so-called funnel. “That is quite unique for this time of year,” explains Jeroen Elferink, meteorologist at Weerplaza.
A funnel is a funnel-shaped cloud that goes from a rain cloud towards the ground. At first glance, a funnel looks like a mini tornado, but it is not. “If the phenomenon continues to grow to the ground, it could become a tornado or gust,” says Elferink. “But the conditions weren’t good enough for that, so that didn’t happen this time.”
A funnel is created when air rises from the ground and there are large differences in temperature. That was also the case this time. “When there are changes in temperature and wind at a higher altitude, this air starts to rotate. This all happens quite quickly, because such a funnel lasts for two to three minutes at most.”
Although this time of year is quite unique, according to Elferink. “You usually see this in late summer or early fall around areas where there is a lot of water. It doesn’t happen often for it to happen in winter now.”
Fortunately, the funnel mainly provided nice pictures. “We have had no reports of damage.”
Below you can see photos of the funnel on the Xtremechasing Stormchasers Facebook page: