There have been multiple reports of waterspouts and funnels over Lake Erie over the past two days. Here’s a photo from Thursday at Cedar Point!
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Our Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson took this photo of another funnel around 10:45 a.m. Friday.
So why are there so many people this week? Well, waterspouts are most frequent between late July and September! This is because water levels are at their hottest levels of the year. Whenever cold air appears over a warm lake, waterspouts are possible. For example, the water temperature near Cleveland is about 76 degrees, so when there's a relatively cool air mass over the lake, it doesn't take much for cold air funnels and waterspouts to form.
Most of the impressive waterspouts are forming Thursday as a cold front moves through the area. Friday due to a few clouds. that's right! Due to the convergence of wind and low altitude near the lake shore (more wind entering an area than leaving it), a small line of cloud formed near Mentor, creating another funnel.
Meteorologist Trent Magill explains what happened in the video below.
Most of the time, waterspouts are not dangerous, but they should still be treated with respect, especially by beachgoers or boaters. In some cases, the jet continues onto land and can cause damage. The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning if a waterspout comes ashore, as some of these tornadoes can cause significant damage and injury to people. Normally, waterspouts that land on a clear day dissipate quickly and rarely continue far inland.
Fair weather waterspouts are generally less dangerous and more common than tornadoes. However, if you are a boater or someone who lives along the Great Lakes, you should be aware of their destructive potential and take waterspouts seriously. They are known to capsize boats, damage large vessels and endanger lives. When a waterspout warning is issued, be prepared to quickly seek safe haven or seek shelter outside the path of the waterspout.
What is a waterspout?
A waterspout is a funnel containing an intense, sometimes destructive, whirlpool of small horizontal extent that occurs above a body of water.
Waterspouts, are they dangerous?
related: Waterspouts, are they dangerous?
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