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waterspouts
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. 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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National Weather Service Forecast Office
