Funnel cloud advisory issued for Hamilton

Keep an eye on the sky, Hamilton.

Environment Canada has issued a weather advisory for the city, warning that conditions this afternoon and later this evening may be conducive for the forming of funnel clouds.

Skies over Steeltown will be mainly cloudy Wednesday, with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm. Temperatures are forecast to hit a high of 21 C.

According to the national weather agency, funnel clouds are produced by a weak rotation of air under quickly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground," stated the weather advisory. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado."

Landspout tornadoes typically do not cause significant damage, but can still be dangerous, noted Environment Canada. They can knock over trees, damage roofs and toss items for short distances.

Residents are warned to treat a funnel cloud sighting seriously," adding that if one does develop nearby, they should prepare to take shelter. Funnel clouds typically appear with little or no warning," according to the advisory.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com