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Can a water spout turn into a tornado?
Waterspouts are tornado-like columns of water and air that form over water, or have moved to water after forming on land [source: NOAA]. Stay away from waterspouts if you see them. If a waterspout moves onshore after forming on water, it technically becomes a tornado [source: Feltgen].
What happens if you get caught in a waterspout?
Waterspouts can occur virtually anywhere. Even though these waterspouts are weaker, they can certainly damage a boat and, if they come ashore, can cause damage to property and injuries to beachgoers. Fortunately, fair weather waterspouts almost always dissipate quickly over land.
What causes mini whirlwinds?
A minor whirlwind is created when local winds start to spin on the ground. This causes a funnel to form. The funnel moves over the ground, pushed by the winds that first formed it. The funnel picks up materials such as dust or snow as it moves over the ground, thus becoming visible.
Can you swim under a waterspout?
And there is likely to be lightning. I’ve never heard of a “fair weather waterspout.” As far as I know, all waterspouts are associated with a shower or thunderstorm.
What is the difference between a waterspout and a tornado?
Contrary to popular belief, waterspouts don’t stir up any water. They tend to be weaker than tornadoes yet they are sometimes confused with tornadoes as they come about from the same stormy conditions. Waterspouts tend to form over water and then move onto land where they then will become what is classified as a tornado.
What is a waterspout and how dangerous is it?
A waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist. According to NOAA’s National Weather Service, 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.
What type of weather is associated with waterspouts?
They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning. Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds.
What happens if a waterspout moves onshore?
If a waterspout moves onshore, the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, as some of them can cause significant damage and injuries to people. Typically, fair weather waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely penetrate far inland.