A waterspout is a rapidly whirling, funnel-shaped column of water and air. They can form in any where and anytime but they tend to spawn in the warm climates of the Florida Keys as well with cold cut-off low pressure systems off the Californian coast as seen below. Waterspouts come in a variety of sizes and strengths and arise from different mechanisms. They can start over land as true tornadoes and drift out to sea or over a lake or large river. Much more common are the fair-weather spouts in which small whirlwinds start from the water surface. They clim
b skyward, but rarely extend to the cloud level. They are similar to the little dust-devils that form over dry roads and fields. Larger waterspouts may extend all the way down to the surface of the water in a manner similar to a tornado. Waterspouts formed over water are much smaller, less destructive, and have a shorter live span then land-based tornadoes. Waterspouts have been known to pick up small fish and frogs and other water creatures and carry them inland, where they are suddenly dropped on startled residents. Although waterspouts are incredibly beautiful, they are potentially dangerous. So before you run off the beach in fear, snap a few quick photos and let me check them out.
b skyward, but rarely extend to the cloud level. They are similar to the little dust-devils that form over dry roads and fields. Larger waterspouts may extend all the way down to the surface of the water in a manner similar to a tornado. Waterspouts formed over water are much smaller, less destructive, and have a shorter live span then land-based tornadoes. Waterspouts have been known to pick up small fish and frogs and other water creatures and carry them inland, where they are suddenly dropped on startled residents. Although waterspouts are incredibly beautiful, they are potentially dangerous. So before you run off the beach in fear, snap a few quick photos and let me check them out.
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