A Funnel Cloud in Idaho?? It Happened on Saturday.

news image
Special Stories
7 Apr 2018 9:09 PM
Idaho, while no stranger to rain, snow, and ice, is not familiar territory when it comes to tornadoes and supercell thunderstorms.  The atmospheric dynamics do not usually favor severe weather in this part of the country.  But on Saturday afternoon, things were very different.  A cold front was slicing through unstable air, and all of the necessary ingredients, (moisture, lift, and wind shear), were in place to produce a funnel cloud, and possible tornado.  It was an extremely rare event, and one that was captured on camera and video. Check out some of the amazing images and video below: https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/982801487876112389 There was also substantial hail.  Some of the hail near Ammon, Idaho was near golf ball size.  It was certainly large enough to do damage to cars, windows, and possibly roofs. https://twitter.com/ffejeryc/status/982791461824376837 The hail in Shelley, Idaho was larger than a quarter, shown in the picture below.  Quarter-sized hail, and larger, is considered damaging hail.  They certainly had that in Shelley on Saturday afternoon. And the winds were substantial too.  Look at the damage on the siding of a home in Idaho Falls, ID.  Flying debris became dangerous projectiles in the high winds of the storm. While there was certainly a funnel cloud, to be considered an official tornado, a touch-down with the ground must be confirmed by the National Weather Service.  At the time of this article, the NWS Office in Pocatello has not issued an official storm report.  So for now, we will term this event as a sighted funnel cloud, with possible tornado touch-down.  It was truly a unique and rarely seen weather event in southern Idaho.  Mother Nature always knows how to keep things interesting! For WeatherNation:  Meteorologist Matt Monroe
All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM