Residents of Surfside Beach observed a curious phenomenon Thursday night: a funnel cloud that sparked speculation about whether it was a tornado or waterspout. The event was captured on video around 7 p.m. along U.S. 17 South.
Understanding the Funnel Cloud
Meteorologist Adam Weiner from the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, provided insights into the occurrence. Although there were no official reports of a tornado or waterspout in the vicinity, the atmospheric conditions on the following day could have led to the formation of a funnel cloud.
Weather Conditions Conducive to Phenomena
Weiner highlighted several factors contributing to the situation:
- A land breeze interacting with dry air offshore.
- A shift in wind direction toward the east.
These conditions suggest that while the funnel cloud may not have made contact with the ground, its appearance is not outside the realm of possibility. Fortunately, Weiner confirmed that there were no reports of damage in the area.
Conclusion
The encounter with the funnel cloud at Surfside Beach serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather phenomena. The local community remains vigilant, and updates from weather officials will continue to provide guidance on future occurrences.
