We’ve been seeing many reports of funnel clouds over Central Illinois. While not usually dangerous, you need to stay alert.
From the National Weather Service:
Numerous reports of funnel clouds have been received since
10am…mainly along a Danville…to Champaign…to Taylorville line.
Atmospheric conditions exist across the area today that favor thepossible formation of weak circulations, along an existing boundary.
Some of these circulations are occurring underneath developingshowers and thunderstorms, where a funnel cloud may develop.
Once the rain begins, the funnel cloud dissipates.
Low hanging clouds can also appear to dip up and down at times, but they will not show signs of any rapid rotation. An actual funnel cloud will exhibit spinning in a counter clockwise direction.
In rare instances, these funnels may briefly touch down. Stay alert,and be prepared to move to a safe shelter, if a funnel cloudapproaches the ground.
