'Apocalyptic' funnel cloud spotted above North Yorkshire sky

The rare phenomenon, which has been branded a funnel cloud, spotted near Harrogate, was seen by passers-by on Tuesday (August 29) just up from the A1 Motorway. 

Believing that the cloud was 'unique', a picture of the cloud was then shared by the people behind The Harrogate Tea Rooms - and what came next was an influx of interest from people. 

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The post, which was sent last Tuesday, has since been shared hundreds of times and garnered interest from America.

In the photo, a spiral-like cloud can be seen with a backdrop of black clouds and heavy rain clouds over Marton-cum-Grafton. 

Alongside the interest seen on social media, the owner of The Harrogate Tea Rooms, Tony Wilkinson, appeared on BBC Radio York earlier in the week to open up about the 'chance' sighting. 

Speaking on the show, he said: "We didn't realise how rare it was until we posted it on Twitter and saw the reactions pour in. 

The funnel cloud near Harrogate (Image: THE HARROGATE TEA ROOM)

"At first, we thought we'd missed it, but we were in the right place at the right time."

After the picture was shared, many people were keen to get involved in the comments section, with one person saying: "It's almost apocalyptic," while another simply added: "That's absolutely amazing".

So, what is a funnel cloud?

Also known as tuba, the cone-shaped formations form when a rotating column of wind draws in droplets from the base of storm clouds, according to the Met Office.

The cloud has garnered lots of reactions (Image: THE HARROGATE TEA ROOM)

It is the same process by which tornadoes form, but funnel clouds only become a tornado if they reach the earth, or become known as a waterspout if they reach a body of water.

Funnel clouds predominantly form from cumulonimbus clouds and are usually associated with heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning, according to the Met Office.