- A waterspout is a column of rotating air and mist that forms over a body of water, usually appearing as a funnel-shaped cloud stretching between a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud and the water surface.
- Visually striking and often mistaken for tornadoes, waterspouts are part of the same family of atmospheric vortex phenomena but differ in how they form and behave. They are most commonly observed in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly over warm coastal waters, but they can also occur over large lakes and inland seas.
- There are two main types of waterspouts: fair-weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. Fair-weather waterspouts are the more common variety. They typically form on warm, calm days beneath developing cumulus clouds and are not associated with thunderstorms. These waterspouts tend to develop from the water surface upward and are relatively weak and short-lived, lasting only a few minutes. Despite their weaker nature, they can still pose hazards to small boats and swimmers due to their intense localized winds.
- Tornadic waterspouts, on the other hand, are essentially tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. These are spawned by severe thunderstorms and display the same violent wind speeds and destructive potential as their land-based counterparts. Tornadic waterspouts are more dangerous, capable of overturning vessels and causing damage if they move ashore. Their winds can exceed 100 kilometers per hour, and they often come with lightning, heavy rain, and hail.
- Both types of waterspouts feature a rapidly spinning vortex and often have a visible spray ring at the point where the funnel meets the water. They are monitored through weather radar and satellite imaging and are more likely to form in warm, humid conditions where temperature contrasts are present. While mesmerizing to watch from a safe distance, waterspouts demand caution and respect due to their unpredictability and potential hazards.