What is a waterspout?

Published: Jul 28 2011 11:04:20 AM EDT

Waterspouts are just like a tornado in that they are a rapidly rotating column of air.

This column of air extends from a cumulonimbus clouds to a body of water such as a lake, river or sea.waterspout 1

Waterspouts suck up large amounts of water and can range from 30 feet to 5,000 feet.

How Waterspouts Form

They only last for a short amount of time but can do a lot of damage to ships and other objects in the sea.

waterspout 2 They are most commonly found along the Gulf Coast and can sometimes move inland, becoming tornadoes causing damage and injuries.

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