Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service for Richland-Sangamon-Macon-Effingham-Lawrence-Vermilion-Clark-Christian-McLean-Crawford-Cumberland-Edgar-Logan-Tazewell-Clay-Douglas-Coles-Jasper-Piatt-De Witt-Moultrie-Shelby and Champaign counties:
FUNNEL CLOUDS POSSIBLE TODAY…
Atmospheric conditions exist across the area today that favor the possible formation of weak circulations, along an existing boundary. Some of these circulations are occurring underneath developing showers and thunderstorms, where a funnel cloud may develop. Once the rain begins, the funnel cloud dissipates.
Low hanging clouds can also appear to dip up and down at times, but they will not show signs of any rapid rotation. An actual funnel cloud will exhibit spinning in a counter clockwise direction.
In rare instances, these funnels may briefly touch down. Stay alert, and be prepared to move to a safe shelter, if a funnel cloud approaches the ground.
