South Florida's storms - Waterspouts possible, what are they?

Waterspouts are quite a view! They can happen in any body of water and although are similar to tornadoes, they form differently.

Waterspouts form because of the large difference in temperatures. The water temperatures are warm, the warm air rises rapidly, towering from the cumulus clouds, and there is a rotation motion over the surface of the water. Surface winds can reach 50 mph and can produce a spray at the base of the waterspout. If a waterspout moves over land, it is called a tornado. They can cause property damage, and they are usually short-lived.

Waterspouts look like thin ropes. These water twisters can develop from thunderstorms and when there is fair weather. Waterspouts that develop from storms, form downward from the base of a cloud. Fair-weather waterspouts develop on the surface of the water and work their way upward, they form in light wind conditions and hardly move.

Make sure to stay informed about the latest weather conditions and track storms using our WeatherRadar.