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Mountain Home Today
By the People, for the People
Tornado or Dust Devil? Viral Video Sparks Debate at Utah-Idaho Border
Residents report a twisting cloud of dust and precipitation, but experts say it was likely a landspout, not a full-fledged tornado.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:34pm
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A dramatic cloud formation near the Utah-Idaho border sparks debate over the true nature of the weather event.Mountain Home TodayA video of a swirling cloud near the Utah-Idaho border has sparked debate over whether it was an actual tornado or just a glorified dust devil. While tornadoes are rare in the region, they have been known to occur, and local meteorologists are weighing in to clarify the nature of the weather event.
Why it matters
Tornadoes, though uncommon, can and do happen in the Pacific Northwest, as evidenced by recent touchdowns in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Understanding the difference between a tornado and a landspout is important for public safety and preparedness.
The details
The video in question shows a twisting cloud of dust and precipitation, but experts say it was likely a landspout, a type of tornado-like vortex that forms from the ground up rather than a true tornado. Meteorologist Chase Thomason provided analysis of the video, explaining the differences between a landspout and a tornado.
- The incident occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2026 around 2:30 PM.
The players
Chase Thomason
A meteorologist who analyzed the video and provided an explanation of the weather event.
What they’re saying
“The twister is a landspout (more like a dust devil) and not a tornado.”
— Chase Thomason, Meteorologist
What’s next
Meteorologists will continue to monitor weather patterns in the region and provide updates on any potential tornado activity.
The takeaway
While the viral video sparked concerns about a tornado, experts have clarified that the event was likely a less severe landspout, a reminder that even rare weather phenomena can occur in unexpected places.
