Storms rolling across Jacksonville on Thursday afternoon spun up a skinny funnel cloud over the Northside, giving residents a quick scare and a rare sight. A viewer’s video shows the narrow condensation column dangling from a dark thunderhead near North Main Street and Eastport Road before it disappeared without ever reaching the ground.
What viewers saw
The video was sent to local TV crews and, as reported by News4JAX, Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn reviewed the clip and said “there appeared to be rotation,” even though the funnel never touched down. According to the station, the sighting was passed along to the National Weather Service around 4 p.m.
Funnel vs. tornado: what forecasters look for
According to the National Weather Service, a funnel cloud is a rotating condensation funnel that does not reach the ground. It only qualifies as a tornado once that circulation makes contact with the surface. The NWS’s glossary lays out the official definitions, and NWS Jacksonville asks spotters who witness a tornado, waterspout, or funnel cloud to call 1-800-499-1594 (Option 1) or submit a report online so forecasters can compare radar data with what people are actually seeing on the ground.
Storm pattern and what to watch
The funnel showed up in the middle of a wet, unsettled pattern that forecasters say will keep daily afternoon and evening storms in the mix for the region. That means periods of heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds are on the table. The News4JAX weather team notes some neighborhoods could pick up several inches of rain in the coming days, which would increase the risk of ponding on roads and hazardous driving conditions.
Safety and reporting
If you spot a funnel cloud, officials say to treat it seriously and head to shelter right away. Go to a small, windowless interior room or a basement if you have one, and cover your head. If you are caught outside, move to the nearest sturdy building instead of trying to outrun the storm. Federal guidance points out that funnels can quickly become tornadoes, so people are urged to take cover first and then report what they saw. The CDC offers additional safety tips for tornadoes and severe storms.
