It was quite a sight over Lake Okeechobee Friday afternoon.
A waterspout developed over Lake Okeechobee as a strong thunderstorm moved across the lake, providing another example of how quickly South Florida's summertime thunderstorms can intensify.
The waterspout formed as thunderstorms developed across the region during the afternoon and began moving northeast across Lake Okeechobee.
The National Weather Service in Miami issued multiple Special Marine Warnings for Lake Okeechobee Friday afternoon, including warnings for thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts of 34 knots or greater — roughly 39 mph or higher.
At 4:45 p.m., the National Weather Service was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Calusa moving northeast at about 15 knots. The warning included portions of the lake near Calusa, Liberty Point, Buckhead Ridge and Moore Haven.
By 5:15 p.m., another warning covered the lake as a strong thunderstorm was located northeast of Liberty Point, continuing to move northeast at about 15 knots. Clewiston and Buckhead Ridge were among the locations included in the warning.
What Exactly Is a Waterspout?
A waterspout is essentially a rotating column of air extending between a cloud and the surface of the water.
Here in South Florida, waterspouts aren't unusual, particularly during the warm and humid summer months.
There are two primary types: fair-weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts.
Fair-weather waterspouts typically develop beneath growing cumulus clouds or showers in an environment with light winds and plenty of low-level moisture. They usually form from the water upward and are generally weaker than tornadoes associated with severe thunderstorms.
Tornadic waterspouts, on the other hand, are tornadoes that form over water or move from land onto water. They develop from rotating thunderstorms and can be considerably more dangerous.
Why Lake Okeechobee Can Produce Waterspouts
You don't need an ocean to get a waterspout.
Lake Okeechobee is large enough to provide the warm, moist environment necessary for waterspout development when atmospheric conditions are favorable.
On a hot South Florida afternoon, thunderstorms can rapidly develop around the lake as sea breezes and other smaller-scale boundaries collide. Those boundaries can create localized areas of rotation near the surface.
If a developing thunderstorm moves over that rotation, the rising air within the storm can stretch it vertically and sometimes produce a waterspout.
Friday's forecast called for afternoon showers and thunderstorms over Lake Okeechobee, with the National Weather Service noting that winds and waves could become considerably higher in and around thunderstorms.
Waterspouts Can Be Dangerous
They may be impressive to watch, but boaters should never approach a waterspout.
Even a relatively weak waterspout can produce strong rotating winds, rough water and dangerous conditions for small boats.
The National Weather Service warned Friday that thunderstorms over Lake Okeechobee were capable of producing suddenly higher waves and winds strong enough to damage small craft. Boaters in the path of the storms were advised to move to safe harbor until the hazardous weather passed.
If a waterspout moves from water onto land, it should also be treated seriously because it can produce localized wind damage.
A Classic South Florida Summer Setup
Friday's waterspout is another reminder of just how quickly our weather can change during the summer.
A relatively quiet afternoon can turn stormy in a matter of minutes as thunderstorms develop along sea breezes, lake breezes and other boundaries across the Florida Peninsula.
And with water temperatures very warm this time of year, Lake Okeechobee can provide plenty of moisture to help fuel those storms.
The CBS12 Weather Team will continue monitoring thunderstorms across Palm Beach County, the Treasure Coast and Lake Okeechobee throughout the summer storm season.
And if you captured video or pictures of Friday's waterspout, we'd love to see them.