On a short break in Cornwall, about 1100, just leaving Newquay on our
way to Padstow last Saturday (13th).

We were only a couple of miles from St Mawgan, did they report
anything or do they even have human observers there these days?

After about 55 years of observing, both official and unofficial, and
having spent some time in the American Midwest, and having experienced
some spectacular storms, this is the first funnel cloud I have seen.

It was tiny and extended only a small way from the cloud base but it
was definitely a funnel cloud.

Martin

JPG wrote:

On a short break in Cornwall, about 1100, just leaving Newquay on our
way to Padstow last Saturday (13th).

We were only a couple of miles from St Mawgan, did they report
anything or do they even have human observers there these days?

After about 55 years of observing, both official and unofficial, and
having spent some time in the American Midwest, and having experienced
some spectacular storms, this is the first funnel cloud I have seen.

It was tiny and extended only a small way from the cloud base but it
was definitely a funnel cloud.


Saw my first when I was in my early teens I think it was, perhaps younger,
in the 1950s. Although I couldn't see the base of it I'm sure it was a full-
blown tornado. It was black, wide at the base of the cloud and hanging
vertically, then trailing backwards and narrowing before becoming vertical
again as it neared the ground. It continued moving slowly NE for a long time
with no change of shape. I checked the papers that week but there was no
mention of it. It would have been tracking across open fields in North Beds.
near Rushden.

In August 1964 (or possibly '63) I saw five funnel clouds simultaneously at
RAE Thurleigh, Beds.

If you want to see funnel clouds in UK, I think North Beds. is the place to
be!

--
Graham P Davis, Bracknell, Berks., UK. E-mail: newsman not newsboy
"I wear the cheese. It does not wear me."

Not quite a funnel cloud but waterspouts.
Late 80s I think on board ship approaching Gib Straits from St.Vincent.
Saw 3 double walled waterspouts (and having seen quite of number of
waterspouts over 48 years at sea, this was the only occasion of double
walls.)
We unwisely passed close to view and noted opposite rotations within the 2
walls visible with debris which also allowed timing of rotation. I recall
the speed of the inner more noticeable wall was 34 rpm and can't remember
the outer.
We were on a MetO selected weather reporting ship and the facts were
reported in the Met Logbook additional remarks at the back.
Feedback was received which I recall indicated the sighting was not very
unusual.

PeterJ

On Jun 16, 4:11*pm, "Peter J" wrote:
Not quite a funnel cloud but waterspouts.
Late 80s I think on board ship approaching Gib Straits from St.Vincent.
Saw 3 double walled waterspouts (and having seen quite of number of
waterspouts over 48 years at sea, this was the only occasion of double
walls.)
We unwisely passed close to view and noted opposite rotations within the 2
walls visible with debris which also allowed timing of rotation. I recall
the speed of the inner more noticeable wall was 34 rpm and can't remember
the outer.
We were on a MetO selected weather reporting ship and the facts were
reported in the Met Logbook additional remarks at the back.
Feedback was received which I recall indicated the sighting was not very
unusual.

PeterJ

Only ever seen one funnel cloud; similar to Martin's as it was only
extending a short way below the cloud. It was some 20+ years ago.

Other cloud I've only seen once is pileus. Mind you, that afternoon,
again, about 20 years ago, every other growing cumulus cauliflower
floret was capped by a pileus cloud. It was quite amazing and stopped
me dead. All I could do was gawp at the sky.

I've looked out for both clouds in many convective circumstances and
never got lucky and seen either again.

After about 55 years of observing, both official and unofficial, and
having spent some time in the American Midwest, and having experienced
some spectacular storms, this is the first funnel cloud I have seen.

First and last:

Birmingham, July 1999 during a very hot and thundery spell.

I spotted the funnel cloud over Selly Oak, then watched it turn into a
tornado and pick up lots of debris (presumed to be slates/wood/roofs)......

Quite something, then it returned to being a funnel cloud and disappeared
all in about two minutes.
________________
Nick.
Otter Valley, Devon
83 m amsl
http://www.ottervalley.co.uk

On 16 June, 18:36, "Nick Gardner"
wrote:
After about 55 years of observing, both official and unofficial, and
having spent some time in the American Midwest, and having experienced
some spectacular storms, this is the first funnel cloud I have seen.

First and last:

Birmingham, July 1999 during a very hot and thundery spell.

I spotted the funnel cloud over Selly Oak, then watched it turn into a
tornado and pick up lots of debris (presumed to be slates/wood/roofs)......

Quite something, then it returned to being a funnel cloud and disappeared
all in about two minutes.
________________
Nick.
Otter Valley, Devon
83 m amslhttp://www.ottervalley.co.uk

Saw 2 funnels clouds on subsequent days in August 2006. One touched
down (but I saw it as a funnel cloud.) The other one very close to my
house - pics www.turnstone-cottage.co.uk/Aug2006Storms.PDF

Also saw 2 waterspouts crossing Mount's Bay in 1994.

Graham
Penzance