Latest news with #McGiffin
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Funnel clouds spotted in Denver metro during Thursday's storms
DENVER (KDVR) — Severe weather storms rolled across Colorado on Thursday afternoon, leaving some areas with thunderstorms, hail and even funnel clouds. Colorado was hit with the second day of severe weather storms on Thursday, which means there's an increase in the frequency of severe storms, hail, stronger winds and even tornadoes, according to the Pinpoint Weather team. Several areas across Colorado saw exactly that with thunderstorms, tornado warnings and hail. Some FOX31 viewers were able to capture the impacts of the storm on camera, including a weather phenomenon that occurs during some thunderstorms. Denver weather: Wet end to the workweek ahead of a warmer weekend It's known as funnel clouds, which were spotted in parts of the Denver metro including Commerce City and Aurora, near the Denver International Airport. Here's what it looked like: This isn't the first time Colorados has seen a funnel cloud. Several viewers captured photos of funnel clouds in Colorado during the summer of 2023. According to the National Weather Service, cold air funnel clouds are caused during showers or thunderstorms. Funnel clouds form beneath the storm when the air above is cold. The sun heats up the lower atmosphere and the warm air rises, which causes 'convection to bubble up and form showers.' The Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Liz McGiffin said funnel clouds can be typical weather this time of year, and people might see more of them during the spring. While Thursday's clouds weren't cause for concern, when conditions are right, McGiffin said these clouds could lead to severe weather storms which bring in large hail, damaging wind gusts and tornado threats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Timing, totals, impact of April's severe weather storms
DENVER (KDVR) — Severe weather storms are possible in Colorado on Thursday, with the potential of strong winds, hail and isolated tornadoes. May through August marks severe weather season in Colorado, which means there's an increase in the frequency of severe storms, hail, stronger winds and even tornadoes, according to the Pinpoint Weather team. What does '50% chance of rain' mean on a weather forecast? A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued on Thursday for the first widespread threat for severe weather of the season in Denver metro, and the better chance for strong storms in the Eastern Plains with 60 mph wind gusts, coin-sized hail and thunderstorms starting in the afternoon. Here is everything you need to know about the incoming April storm. Severe weather could start as early as Thursday afternoon. According to Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Liz McGiffin, rain showers will start around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Denver and into the Eastern Plains. Thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts and quarter-sized hail will pick up around 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Through the evening, thunderstorms could become severe, producing quarter-sized hail, about 1 inch in diameter. Strong winds will continue with the isolated chance for a tornado farther east. Report: Colorado among states with most costly hail damage claims in 2024 The severe weather should taper out by sunset Thursday, but there are still chances for lighter showers into Friday. While there won't be any snow, there could be some hail in the metro and Eastern Plains. McGiffin said there will be hail the size of a quarter in the Eastern Plains, with smaller-sized hail in Denver. During the storm, wind gusts will also pick up to as high as 60 mph in the metro and the plains. The Pinpoint Weather team said there is also a slight tornado risk, but that's far east, heading out of the state. While there won't be much on the ground by the end of the storm, throughout Thursday afternoon and into the night, people should be careful if they're heading outside. The storm picks up around the time of the evening commute home. If you're driving around the Denver metro or in the Eastern Plains, expect wet roads and slowdowns. McGiffin said the best way to keep your car safe during these storms is to find indoor parking to protect your car from hail damage and falling branches caused by the strong wind. While there may be hail in the metro, the coin-sized hail will be in the Eastern Plains, east of the Denver International Airport. McGiffin said there could be damaging hail east, but the metro should see anything too big. Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information: Interactive Denver weather radar Colorado weather alerts Business, church and school closings Weather newsletters FOX31 News app The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
