Rockhampton ‘tornado’ just a cloud, weather Bureau says

Rockhampton residents were sent into a flurry after spotting a funnel cloud near the town’s airport but this is why BOM says it wasn’t the real thing.

Rockhampton residents were sent into a flurry on Tuesday morning following several sightings of a funnel cloud near the town’s airport.

A funnel cloud, which forms under specific wind conditions becomes a tornado once it touches the ground.

While several Rockhampton residents reported the cloud sighting as a tornado, the Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the cloud did not reach the ground and was in fact, a funnel cloud.

“The set up today was not conducive to tornadoes however, it is possible that pictures show a funnel cloud emanating from a deep cumulus cloud,” a Bureau spokesman said.

“Tornados that form associated with cumulus clouds are usually weak, producing little or no damage.

‘Tornado” near Rockhampton Airport this morning at 8am. Picture: Steve Vit

“Stronger tornadoes are usually associated with highly organised thunderstorms known as supercells.

“Supercell thunderstorms were not in the area today (Tuesday).”

Funnel clouds generally form under strong updraft conditions, with tornadoes more likely to eventuate following a cell storm.

When a funnel cloud touches down over water, they are known as waterspouts.

There were no reports of damage in Rockhampton following the passing of the funnel cloud on Tuesday.