Did You Know that Scary Funnel Clouds Can Even Occur in Alaska?

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Jeanne and Pierre striped sweater with Oliveo linen pants, and Anne Klein polka dots scarf (all own)

Every now and then you hear in the news about a funnel cloud sigthing in Alaska. Most people think it’s a hoax. But it is not. Funnel clouds can occur in Alaska under certain weather conditions. In contrast to the tornadoes in Tornado Alley, Alaska’s tornadoes are caused by the terrain. And, we just recently had one again. Read how I reacted.

Contents
  1. Funnel Clouds also Exist in Alaska
  2. This Week’s Tornado over Fairbanks
  3. How Alaska Funnel Clouds Form
  4. Casual Friday Spring Look
  5. References

 

 

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Funnel Clouds also Exist in Alaska

Did you know that there are tornadoes in Alaska? No kidding, I am serious. Of course, they don’t have a foot print as large as the ones in Tornado Alley. However, there are 44 documented cases of funnel clouds in Alaska!

I have seen once three funnel clouds at the same time over the Tanana Flats looking south from the UAF campus. Unfortunately, I had no camera with me. Another time, I saw a funnel cloud right over Fairbanks from my office window (see photo above). Again, I had my camera at home. I ran into my colleagues office as I knew she always has her iPhone handy.

fashion blogger Nicole in spring work outfit
Jeanne Pierre striped sweater under Orvis camouflage with floral print jacket with statement belt, Anne Klein open-toe pumps, Oliveo linen pants, Anne Klein polka dots scarf and open-toe pumps (all own), and wooden watch c/o Jord

 

I was so excited and yelled “There is a funnel cloud out there. Get your iPhone to make a photo.” In that very moment, I feared the funnel may have already vanished, and she would think I am crazy and/or that I fell asleep on my desk and just woke up after having a nightmare. But the cloud was still there, and she took photos.

#Alaska funnel cloud over Fairbanks
Funnel cloud over Fairbanks. Photo with permission by U.S. Bhatt

 

This Week’s Tornado over Fairbanks

This month we had again a funnel cloud event. However, I did learn about it from my student. He had seen the article, and photo in the Fairbanks Newsminer. The tornado did not cause damage. My student and I did a lot of research on Alaska funnel clouds. They are boundary clouds in contrast to those in Tornado Alley, which are from thunderstorms.

How Alaska Funnel Clouds Form

Alaska funnel clouds build under certain conditions as an interaction of the local terrain caused weather and the large scale weather situation. The local mountains force the wind in the lower 1 km or so to blow in a different direction than the wind above. This causes rotaion. If the atmosphere is moist enough, you can see it as funnels.

Such weather situations may occur from spring to fall.

Did you know that there are funnel clouds in Alaska? #Alaska #funnelcloud Click To Tweet

Have you ever seen a funnel cloud? Do you live in an area where funnel clouds or tornadoes occur? Let me know, I am curious.

 

You may be interested in other Alaska nature features like the Denali Fault or permafrost.

 

Nicole in linen pants, utility jacket, sweater, open-toe pumps spring outfit
Front view of Alaska casual spring outfit with Jeanne Pierre striped sweater, Orvis floral on camouflage print jacket, Oliveo linen pants, statement belt, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Anne Klein AK print pumps, Anne Klein polka dots scarf (all own), and wooden watch c/o Jord

 

 

Casual Friday Spring Look

As you see there is still quite some snow on the ground. Nevertheless, it gets warmer and spring is progressing every day. This Look of the Day keeps me warm and the lighter colors all read spring, even when the landscape doesn’t look like it yet. Layering is key here.

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References

Edwin, S., 2016. Climatology and forcing mechanisms of funnel clouds in Alaska. MS. Thesis, Dept. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Edwin, S. , Mölders, N. , Friedrich, K. , Schmidt, S. and Thoman, R., 2017. Conditions Supporting Funnel Cloud Development in Alaska. Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, 7, 223-245. doi: 10.4236/acs.2017.72016.

 

Photos of me: G. Kramm

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