Potential for waterspouts on the Great Lakes

September 28, 2011 — Environment Canada says there's an increased risk of waterspouts forming on the Great Lakes this week.

a waterspout on Lake Erie

Anyone living in the Great Lakes basin should stay off the water for the next couple of days. Environment Canada says there's an increased risk of waterspouts forming.

A waterspout watch was issued for Lake Erie and part of Lake Huron Wednesday afternoon.

“There's an indication of turbulence in the lower levels of the atmosphere caused by the cut-off low that's been spinning for days,” says Brian Dillon, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. “That could lead to some waterspouts on the Great Lakes. So it's not a good idea to be out boating this week.”

By definition, a waterspout is a rapidly whirling, funnel-shaped column of vapour and water between a cloud and the earth's surface. They usually form over the water.

While waterspouts are often much weaker than the land counterparts, there have been instances where waterspouts become tornadoes. Last month, as many as five waterspouts formed off the coast of North Carolina and one came ashore, transitioning into a tornado.

“It's rare, but the threat is there for this to happen,” warns Dayna Vettese, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.

If you see a waterspout in your area, tell us on The Weather Network's Facebook page. You can also help us tell this story by sharing your photos.

With files from Andrea Stockton

Funnel clouds  in southern Ontario in August

Waterspout

A waterspout is a rapidly whirling, funnel-shaped column of vapour and water between a cloud and the earth's surface. They look like tornadoes over water but they're really just first cousins. Waterspouts come in a variety of sizes and strengths and arise from different mechanisms. They can start over land as true tornadoes and drift out to sea or over a lake or large river. Much more common are the fair-weather spouts in which small whirlwinds start from the water surface. They climb skyward, but rarely extend to the cloud level. They are similar to the little dust whirls that form over dry roads and fields. Larger waterspouts may also grow down from above in a manner similar to a tornado with the circulation beginning in the cloud and working its way down to the water.

Spouts formed over water are much smaller, less destructive, live shorter lives and move more slowly than land-based tornadoes. Waterspouts have been known to pick up small fish and frogs and other water creatures and carry them inland, where they are suddenly dropped on startled residents.

Tallying Canada's confirmed tornadoes

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=tallying_canadas_confirmed__250711