Environment Canada says ‘conditions favourable’ for funnel clouds

WEST CARLETON – Ottawa is under an Environment Canada weather advisory as the weather forecaster reports ‘conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds this afternoon (Aug. 23).’

Currently the area is at risk of thunderstorms with an expected one to three millimetres of rain.

“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms,” Environment Canada released in a statement this afternoon. “This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.”

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

The current temperature is 21 degrees Celsius.