Waterspouts possible on Lake Erie Near Buffalo New York

A major cold front is set to move across Western New York over the next couple of days, and with that comes the high possibility of waterspouts along Lake Erie.

There already was a waterspout spotted on Sunday near Dunkirk, and more are expected to happen this week.

How Do Waterspouts Form?

Waterspouts form when rotating columns of air come down from storm clouds over open bodies of water. Like a tornado, which sucks up dirt and debris, a waterspout forms when the column of air sucks up water towards the clouds.

Are Waterspouts Dangerous?

Yes, just like tornadoes, waterspouts can be very dangerous, especially for boaters. The good news is that most waterspouts don't do any damage because they form over open water and end up fading out over open water without ever coming in contact with buildings, boats, or people.

What To Do If You See A Waterspout?

The first thing to do is get away from it as fast as possible. You should head in a 90-degree angle away from where you saw the waterspout. If the waterspout is moving, make sure you head in the opposite direction of the waterspout.

If you are out on a boat, you should try and head to shore as quickly as possible. Most waterspouts fade out before reaching shore, so if you can make it there, your odds of being safe increase.

If you can't make it to shore, head the the lowest part of your boat and lie down with something over you for protection. You should also turn off all electronics if possible.

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