Funnel clouds possible as storm watches issued for Prairies

Friday, June 5, 2015, 3:46 PM - Strong storms are in store for parts of the Prairie provinces, and forecasters say Prairie-dwellers should be on the lookout for cold core funnels.

Severe thunderstorm watches were issued in the early afternoon for parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, with some upgraded to warnings, due to thunderstorms that Environment Canada says may produce striking funnel clouds.

"These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms," the weather agency says. "This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado."

There are currently no tornado watches or warnings in place, and cold core funnels on their own are not considered dangerous, but Environment Canada is warning people to be careful if they see one nonetheless, in case they do make contact with te ground.

"Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause significant damage, but can still be dangerous," the agency says. "They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances."

Aside from thunderstorms, heavy downpours are also possible from some of these storms.

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