A “landspout” is storm-observer slang for a non-supercell tornado, most often seen in relatively dry environments with weak wind shear and high-based thunderstorms. On this day, vertical shear favored supercells, and one did develop farther south; however, the process behind this tornado (shot on slide film) was not that of a mesocyclone. Such tornadoes typically move slowly and take shape as a translucent dust column, like this, and sometimes beneath funnel clouds, unlike this.
2 ESE Otis CO (4 Jun 4) Looking SW
40.1446, -102.9271
RADAR
Colorado Landspout
A “landspout” is storm-observer slang for a non-supercell tornado, most often seen in relatively dry environments with weak wind shear and high-based thunderstorms. On this day, vertical shear favored supercells, and one did develop farther south; however, the process behind this tornado (shot on slide film) was not that of a mesocyclone. Such tornadoes typically move slowly and take shape as a translucent dust column, like this, and sometimes beneath funnel clouds, unlike this.
2 ESE Otis CO (4 Jun 4) Looking SW
40.1446, -102.9271
RADAR