When Do Waterspouts Happen?

Waterspout formation typically occurs when cold air moves across the Great Lakes and results in large temperature differences between the warm water and the overriding cold air. They tend to last from about two to twenty minutes, and move along at speeds of 10 to 15 knots.

How often do waterspouts occur?

It's not unusual to see 400 to 500 waterspouts a year in this area, and many that go unreported. In rare instances, more than one waterspout can form from a storm offshore.

Where do waterspouts usually happen?

Waterspouts are most common in tropical and subtropical waters, such as the Florida Keys, the islands of Greece, and off the east coast of Australia. There are five stages of waterspout formation: 1. Dark spot.