Funnel cloud spotted in Norman Wells, N.W.T.

Norman Wells, N.W.T., residents are no strangers to thunderstorm activity, but on Monday afternoon, the community saw a much rarer sight for the area: a funnel cloud.

Gilly McNaughton sent a photo of the cloud to CBC North's Facebook page, saying she spotted it at about 3:50 p.m. The Norman Wells airport reported a funnel cloud at approximately the same time.

McNaughton said she saw the cloud "spiral to about this size [of the cloud in the photo], and then it started receding." She did not report seeing it touch the ground. A funnel cloud that touches down can form the core of a tornado, but even if it doesn't, tornados are possible in the area.

CBC North meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler said that funnel clouds, which can appear during thunderstorm conditions, are "very rare" for the region, adding that the potential for thunderstorms over Norman Wells is forecast to continue through this evening. 

Robin Doctor also saw the cloud.

"I was at our office, then you could hear one loud thunderbolt," Doctor said. "Almost like it was just outside the door. By the time I snapped a picture the cloud was disappearing, and the thunder cloud was already moving on.

"I've been living here for 24 years, and that's the first I've ever seen something like that."