LeadStory

AccuWeather

What is a waterspout?

AccuWeather · Recent
AccuWeather
AccuWeather
Recent

AccuWeather Meteorologist Melissa Constanzer breaks down what a waterspout is and highlights the key differences between tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.

Breakdown
  • A waterspout is a rotating column of air over water, similar to a tornado. 24s
  • Tornadic waterspouts are associated with thunderstorms and can become tornadoes if they move onto land. 38s
  • Meteorologists may issue tornado warnings for waterspouts. 50s
  • Fair weather waterspouts are more common and form in calmer conditions, resembling dust devils over water. 1m 3s
  • Waterspouts are frequently observed in areas like the Great Lakes during certain times of the year. 1m 24s
Weather