ASK THE METEOROLOGIST
Isaac, Ashland Middle School
Tornadoes that we see over the ocean are called waterspouts! There are two types …fair weather and tornadic. Tornadic waterspouts are simply tornadoes over water that develop from cumulonimbus clouds, or thunderstorm clouds. Fair weather waterspouts on the other hand, do not develop from thunderstorms but instead form from cumulus clouds during relatively calm weather.
Fair weather waterspouts are common over South Florida’s coastal waters in late spring and early fall. They are not quite as dangerous as tornadic waterspouts because the environment tends to be quiet when they develop. Tornadic waterspouts though form from severe thunderstorms. This can lead to strong winds, high seas, large hail and frequent lightning.
Often times if a tornadic waterspout moves over land, the National Weather Service will issue a tornado warning. These tornadoes can be just as damaging as any regular tornado. Fair weather waterspouts typically move little, but if they were to move over land dissipate quickly in most cases.
The two also develop differently. Tornadic waterspouts form from a cumulonimbus cloud down to the ocean surface while a fair weather waterspout forms from the water up to the cloud.
If you are ever in a situation where you’re on the water and a waterspout develops you are supposed to travel at a 90 degree angle to its apparent movement.
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Meteorologist Alyssa Caroprese