VIDEO: Waterspout forms over Lake Weir in Marion County

Footage shows spout, storms out in the distance

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Viewer-submitted video shows a waterspout forming in Marion County Friday evening.

A woman filmed the waterspout after returning from work in Weirsdale. She told News 6 the video shows the view from Domino’s on U.S. Highway 27.

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The video shows the waterspout springing up into a storm of dark clouds in the distance.

There are two types of waterspouts: tornadic and fair-weather waterspouts.

Tornadic waterspouts are tight vortices that have similar characteristics to a tornado, producing strong winds. Tornadic waterspouts develop from the cloud, downward to the ground. The highest risk of seeing tornadic waterspouts is during a severe thunderstorm near open water.

Fair-weather waterspouts generally form during relatively calm conditions, under a developing cumulus cloud. Instead of forming near the clouds, like a tornadic waterspout, the fair weather version develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward to the clouds. Their surprise factor makes these waterspouts dangerous for boaters. They tend to form while winds are light, limiting their tracking speed.

No matter the version, waterspouts can be dangerous to boaters if they get too close.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration said the best way to avoid a waterspout is to move at a 90-degree angle to its movement.

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About the Authors:

Anthony, a graduate of the University of Florida, joined ClickOrlando.com in April 2022.

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