Possible waterspout spotted off Longboat Key

Longboat Key saw its first possible waterspout of the season Sunday, and various residents took to social media to share their sightings. 

Dueling Waterspouts off Longboat Key. @FOX13Tyler @PaulFox13 pic.twitter.com/21IxxFUY5L

— Rick Brauckmuller (@pitts1979) June 16, 2019

According to the National Weather Center, a waterspout is similar to a tornado over water. Tornadic waterspouts often are accompanied by high winds and seas, as well as frequent lightning. 

Fair weather waterspouts are less dangerous, the NWC reports, but are common over South Florida's waters from late spring to early fall. Fair weather waterspouts typically form early to mid-morning along bases of developing cumulus clouds. 

Waterspout spotted this afternoon off shore of longboat key @EdBloodsworth49 @WFLA pic.twitter.com/GJAhEKpBS4

— Anthony (@PuckPapi) June 16, 2019

Tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, while fair weather waterspouts develop on the surface of the water and work their way upward. 

Bigger Waterspout off Longboat Key. Rick Brauckmuller @PaulFox13 @FOX13Tyler @DaveOFox13 pic.twitter.com/Fs8fWk9Bk5

— Rick Brauckmuller (@pitts1979) June 16, 2019

If a person sees a waterspout, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the best thing to do is head away from the motion of the waterspout at a 90-degree angle.