A RARE weather phenomenon resembling a tornado was spotted over Basingstoke.
The funnel cloud was reported on Tuesday, May 9, with various people on social media posting pictures and videos.
It comes after residents reported excessively large hailstones falling on Tuesday evening.
According to the Met Office, funnel clouds or 'tuba' are extending, spinning fingers of cloud that reach towards the ground, but never touch it.
When they do reach the ground they become a tornado.
READ MORE: Have you ever seen hail this big? Colossal hailstones fall in Basingstoke
Twitter user Paul Montague posted this video, captioned "Is that what I think it is".
@HAMPWEATHER @Official_WXUK is that what I think it is!!! pic.twitter.com/r23n2XzCyX
— Old(ish) grumpy enthusiast (@paul_montague) May 9, 2023
SkyWarnUK, a weather database, posted on its Twitter account: "Ome of our spotters caught this beauty."
It’s been an active day today. One of our spotters caught this beauty around the Winchester/M3 area. pic.twitter.com/YInocI7MCx
— SkyWarnUK (@SkyWarnUK_org) May 9, 2023
Funnel clouds are formed when a rotating column of wind draws in cloud droplets, making a region of intense low pressure visible.
This is the same way a tornado is formed, building around this localised area of intensely low pressure.
They are typically associated with the formation of cumulonimbus thunderclouds.
Did you see the funnel cloud? Sent us pictures and videos to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here