Waterspout

About Waterspout:

• A waterspout is a large column of air and mist rotating over a water body.
• It is less intense and typically lasts for around five minutes — occasionally it can last up to 10 minutes.
• The average waterspout can be around 165 feet in diameter, with wind speeds of 100 kilometres per hour.
• They occur when there are high levels of humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.
• Types of waterspouts:
  • Tornadic waterspouts:
    • These are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water.
    • They have the same characteristics as a land tornado.
    • They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
  • Fair-weather waterspouts:
    • These are usually formed under calmer conditions along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds.
    • It is generally not associated with thunderstorms.
    • It is develop from the water’s surface upward. (While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm)
    • Typically move very little due to light wind conditions.