Shock As ‘Eerie’ Tornado-Like Waterspout Spotted Off Florida Beach

A video of a waterspout in Panama City Beach, Florida, has captivated users on TikTok.

The viral clip, posted by social media user @crystalhannon_ shows the scene of a remarkable tornado-like column over water. The video has garnered more than 3.7 million views since it was posted on July 24.

According to a later comment, the footage was captured outside the Casa Loma hotel on July 24.

A caption shared with the post simply said: “Waterspout at Panama City Beach!” The video shows the mesmerizing twirling column against a dark, cloudy sky over water.

What Is a Waterspout?

The National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains that a waterspout is “a whirling column of air and water mist.” They are more common than you might think, especially in areas with warm tropical ocean waters.

Some can appear like “ghostly” funnel clouds dropping from stormy skies, while others can be nearly invisible. These “eerie columns of rotating air”—commonly known as tornadoes over water—are most frequently spotted in the Florida Keys, but they’ve also been observed over the Great Lakes.

Waterspouts are categorized into two types: tornadic and fair weather. Tornadic waterspouts are, as the name suggests, tornadoes formed over water or moved from land to water. They share the same characteristics as land tornadoes and are associated with severe thunderstorms. Tornadic waterspouts often bring along high winds and rough seas, often accompanied by large hail and frequent dangerous lightning.

In contrast, fair weather waterspouts often form along the base of developing cumulus clouds, usually not associated with thunderstorms. A fair weather waterspout begins at the water’s surface and works its way upward. Once the funnel is visible, it means the waterspout is near maturity. These waterspouts are formed in light wind conditions and typically move very little.

When a waterspout moves onshore, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning as they can cause significant damage and injuries. But generally, fair weather waterspouts vanish hastily upon making landfall, says the National Ocean Service.

Citing the advice of the NWS, the National Ocean Service warns that “the best way to avoid a waterspout is to move at a 90-degree angle to its apparent movement. Never move closer to investigate a waterspout. Some can be just as dangerous as [land] tornadoes.”

‘Never Seen Anything Like That’

TikTok users were stunned by the footage of the waterspout in the viral clip.

Holzhazeleyes69 said: “Wow never seen anything like that!!” and @our_.apartment said “Omg that’s crazy I was literally just there.”

Connie Mauk wrote “Haven’t seen a waterspout like this one thank you for sharing.”

Checky! said “one hell of a waterspout!” and chochomama12 noted “That’s as detailed as it gets!”

“So beautiful Mother Nature giving a exceptional performance,” said wayneluke24.

“Very cool!! Love how the rain is almost parting so we can see it!,” said robcormier300.

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.

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