Video: Visitors seek shelter after funnel cloud spotted from Disney World
The FOX Forecast Center believes guests spotted a rotating funnel cloud from the park. The National Weather Service confirmed the sighting and said a tornado never formed.
Apparent funnel cloud spotted from Disney
Apparent funnel cloud was captured on video from Disney World on Thursday evening. (Video credit: Adam and Kristen Stream Disney Facebook page)
ORLANDO, Fla. – The most magical place on Earth was not immune from Mother Nature Thursday as strong thunderstorms moved through Central Florida, creating gusty winds, heavy rainfall and an apparent funnel cloud.
Guests at Epcot captured the stunning sights on video as many sought cover until the inclement weather passed.
Funnel cloud spotted from Epcot at Disney World Florida
(Credit: Michael Greene/WEATHER TRAKER /TMX / FOX Weather)
"We were attending Epcot to go to one of their concerts. We have been local residents for over 16 years, and we had never seen anything like that in this area," Disney streamers Adam and Kristen said.
The low-hanging clouds rolled into areas southwest of Orlando around 6:20 p.m.
Funnel cloud spotted from Disney
(Joey Boudreaux)
The National Weather Service warned of the potential for brief funnel clouds in the storm as it lingered over the Orlando metro area.
"These types of funnel clouds are harmless, but on rare occasions, they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph," the NWS said.
Since the funnel cloud never touched the ground, it did not gain the designation of a tornado.
HOW ARE TORNADOES RATED? THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE EXPLAINED
Radar showed numerous strikes around Orlando on Thursday afternoon.
(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said doppler radar showed a small inflow notch, which is a potential sign of rotation in the clouds.
The apparent funnel did not cause any damage to the parks or nearby resorts but did create quite a commotion.
No other region of the country sees more thunderstorms than Florida. Central Florida averages over 80 days with thunder and lightning, according to the Florida Climate Center.
Meteorologists remind everyone if they spot a funnel cloud to move indoors and report the weather sighting to the NWS.