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A funnel cloud is a potentially tornadic vortex that has not reached the ground. Funnel cloud formation starts when a downdraft wraps around a large circulation called a mesocyclone, squeezing it, and causing it to narrow and stretch downward. If the resulting vortex reaches the ground, it is called a tornado.

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Tornadoes are giant funnel clouds?

They are often visible as funnel clouds, but these clouds are not necessarily very large.


What disasters would you associate with a funnel clouds high winds and thunder clouds?

Tornadoes are associated with funnel clouds.


Are funnel clouds more common than tornadoes?

Yes. Many funnel clouds never touch down.


What severe weather in associated with a funnel cloud?

A funnel cloud is associated with severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. It forms when rotating air creates a condensation funnel that extends from the base of the cloud towards the ground. Funnel clouds can develop into tornadoes if the right conditions are present.


How do you tell when there is a funnel cloud?

A funnel cloud is a rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm. They can be identified by their funnel-shaped appearance extending downwards from the cloud. Funnel clouds may or may not reach the ground to become tornadoes.


What types of clouds are in a tornado?

Tornadoes are associated with cumulonimbus clouds, which are large, dense, and vertically developed clouds that can produce severe weather. These clouds have strong updrafts that can lead to the formation of tornadoes when conditions are conducive.


What is synonym for funnel cloud?

A synonym for funnel cloud is condensation funnel. Tornado may also be considered a synonym, though this is a bit loose as not all funnel clouds become tornadoes, and some tornadoes do not have a visible funnel.


What kind of clouds produce tornadoes?

Tornadoes are commonly associated with supercell thunderstorms, which are characterized by rotating updrafts known as mesocyclones. These storms often feature distinct features such as wall clouds and funnel clouds. Tornadoes can form when these rotating updrafts intensify and produce a condensation funnel that extends to the ground.


Does a hurricane have a funnel shaped cloud?

No, hurricanes do not have funnel-shaped clouds. They have a wide expanse of swirling clouds that form a dense, circular shape around the storm's center called the eye. Funnel clouds are typically associated with tornadoes, not hurricanes.


What are tornadoes sometimes called?

They are called funnel clouds or, more often, twisters.


What clouds appear when tornadoes occur?

Tornadoes typically form within cumulonimbus clouds, which are large and vertically developed clouds associated with thunderstorms. These clouds can have a distinct anvil shape and may exhibit features such as a rotating updraft known as a mesocyclone. However, tornadoes themselves are not visible until they make contact with the ground, at which point they can pick up debris and dust, creating a visible funnel cloud.


Where do funnel clouds occur and why do they occur?

Funnel clouds typically occur in association with severe thunderstorms or tornadoes. They form when rotating air in the atmosphere creates a narrow, rotating column of cloud droplets or debris. Funnel clouds do not always reach the ground and become tornadoes, but they indicate the potential for severe weather.