Rare funnel cloud spotted in Utah, as state braces for more bad weather

A rare funnel cloud was spotted in the sky over Kanab, Utah, on Monday afternoon.

Residents snapped pictures and captured video of the funnel, which appeared to hover above the ground, KUTV reported.

Wet weather patterns typically create ideal conditions for funnel clouds, Eric Shoening, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the St. George News in May. And there has been no shortage of extreme weather in the state.

Forecasted thunderstorms have public safety officials advising southern Utah residents to stay out of narrow canyons and other flood-prone areas.In the past month, Southern Utah has been hit with an onslaught of wet weather. Local officials have been on heightened alert regarding flash floods in recent weeks in the wake of the massive flood damage and 21 deaths caused by heavy rains in Southern Utah on Sept. 14.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the majority of southern Utah on Monday, with widespread precipitation expected to continue through the afternoon and evening.

"This long duration rainfall will cause enhanced runoff across the area," according to the alert posted by the NWS. "Locally heavy rainfall will be possible in stronger thunderstorms."

The alert warns people to stay out of washes, streams, slot canyons, areas near recent fires and steep terrain that could carry floodwater.