Did Alexandria see a funnel cloud on Sept. 29?
According to the Campbell County Office of Emergency Management via Facebook, it received several calls from concerned citizens about a possible funnel cloud near the Alexandria Walmart around 6 p.m. on Sept. 29.
The office said it contacted the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, to investigate the cloud formation.
According to the National Weather Service, low-level/near-surface moisture with an area of low pressure nearby and the updrafts associated with rain showers often produce brief/transient funnel clouds — also known as lowering clouds — that do not often contact the ground or produce any damage.
The national weather service said the condensation of water vapor within the updraft makes it more visible. It said the current environment is not conducive to the funnel clouds reaching the ground or causing damage.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement on Sept. 30 at 12:39 p.m. that included Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties. The statement said funnel clouds are possible. However, they are typically short-lived and very rarely touch down.
“The atmospheric conditions these funnels are occurring in is not supportive of strong damaging tornadoes,” the weather statement said. “However, on rare occasions, these funnels can briefly touch the ground and produce minimal, if any, damage. If threatening weather approaches, move indoors to a place of safety. The National Weather Service will continue to closely monitor the situation.”