No need for funnel cloud warning Monday: Environment Canada

WINNIPEG – A funnel cloud that formed south of Winnipeg Monday had a very ‘minute’ chance of forming according to Environment Canada.

Natalie Hazell says the funnel cloud that formed around six pm near St. Adolphe, was part of stand-alone storm and there was no need to put out a warning that funnel clouds may develop as the odds of one forming were slim, and forecasters did not believe there was a chance of tornado development.

“We figured if a funnel cloud occurred it would be a minor event, and that’s what happened,” said Hazel.  “Any of the storms could have produced something, could we have pinpointed the one right outside of Winnipeg?  Not necessarily.”

READ MORE: Video and photos: funnel cloud spotted in south Winnipeg

But those who watched it approach their community, wish they had been given a heads up.

Kori Plesiuk is a mother of three, and on Monday night she and her husband were also running a youth group for 16 additional kids in St. Adolphe.  When she saw the clouds darken she stepped outside for a look and says the funnel cloud that formed seconds later, was the biggest she had ever seen.

“It would have been nice to have a bit of forewarning,” said Plesiuk, who says she regularly logs into Environment Canada’s website for possible alerts. “Even after they first spotted it…a message should have been sent out.”

READ MORE: Environment Canada weather alerts available on Twitter

Hazell says if a warning had been issued after reports came in, it would have been short-lived.

The funnel cloud,  captured by hundreds on their smart phones and by the roof-cam of Global News, lasted just over two minutes.

“The storm didn’t look like it was going to do much after and it didn’t,” said Hazell.