Waterspouts are whirling columns of air and water mist above bodies of water and can take two forms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They occur as tornadic waterspouts or fair weather waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts move from land to water or form over water, often with severe thunderstorms, and typically feature high winds, hail and lightning, according to NOAA. Fair weather waterspouts form along the base of clouds, starting on the water's surface and don't typically include high winds or thunderstorms, according to NOAA.
The Great Lakes saw 39 waterspouts from Oct. 11-15, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids. Waterspout activity was particularly high on Lake Michigan, with many occurring on Oct. 11, per the weather service. The International Centre for Waterspout Research tracked 42 waterspouts during the same period between Oct. 11-15.
Waterspouts on the western and southern parts of Lake Michigan were caused by lake breeze, while waterspouts on the eastern side of Lake Michigan occurred due to a cold front, according to weather service.
These October waterspouts fall in line with seasonal activity, as fair weather waterspouts typically fall between August and October, according to the weather service. Officials recommend taking shelter when you spot a waterspout nearby, the agency said.
Reader Comments
to our Newsletter