Cold core funnel cloud spotted near Liberty Lake

A cold core funnel cloud was spotted near Mica Peak south of Liberty Lake Wednesday afternoon, according to the Spokane office of the National Weather Service.

Afternoon sun that warmed the ground underneath cold air aloft caused some small storms throughout the area during the afternoon, said weather forecaster Steve Bodnar. “I believe there was even a little hail,” he said.

The funnel cloud formed in an area where eastern winds met western winds, causing rotation.

Cold core funnels are generally small and don’t cause any damage, Bodnar said. “It’s really common,” he said.