About Waterspouts
Waterspouts are similar to tornadoes over water. Waterspouts
are generally broken into two categories: fair weather waterspouts
and tornadic waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts are simply tornadoes that form over
water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics
as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms,
and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail,
and frequent dangerous lightning.
Fair Weather waterspouts are usually a less dangerous phenomena,
but common over South Florida’s coastal waters from
late spring to early fall. The term fair weather comes from
the fact that this type of waterspout forms during fair and
relatively calm weather, often during the early to mid morning
and sometimes during the late afternoon. |
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Fair weather waterspouts usually form along dark flat bases of
a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is
generally not associated with thunderstorms whereas tornadic waterspouts
develop in severe thunderstorms. Tornadic waterspouts develop downward
in a thunderstorm while a fair weather waterspout begins to develop
on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time
the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity.
Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they
normally move little. If a waterspout moves onshore, the National
Weather Service issues a tornado warning as some of them can cause
significant damages and injuries to people. Typically, fair weather
waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely
penetrate far inland.
The best way to avoid a waterspout is to move at a 90-degree angle
to its apparent movement. Never move closer to investigate a waterspout.
Some can be just as dangerous as tornadoes.
Waterspout Safety
- Listen for special marine warnings about waterspout sightings
that are broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio.
- Watch the sky for certain types of clouds. In the summer, with
light winds, look for a possible waterspout underneath a line
of cumulus clouds with dark, flat bases. Anytime of the year,
a thunderstorm or line of thunderstorms, can produce very intense
waterspouts.
- If a waterspout is sighted, immediately head at a 90 degree
angle from the apparent motion of the waterspout.
- Never try to navigate through a waterspout. Although waterspouts
are usually weaker than tornadoes, they can still produce significant
damage to you and your boat.
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