Waterspout — Gulf of Mexico From West End of Seven Mile Bridge To Halfmoon Shoal Out To 5 Fathoms, Gulf of Mexico

2023-03-30 · near Key West, Gulf of Mexico From West End of Seven Mile Bridge To Halfmoon Shoal Out To 5 Fathoms, Gulf of Mexico

Event narrative

A family of waterspouts was observed in association with a convective cloud line over the Gulfside waters adjacent to the Lower Florida Keys from the Saddlebunch Keys to Key West. Numerous reports and photographs were submitted by NWS employees and the public. Each waterspout lasted about 5 to 15 minutes before dissipation. Nearly 20 waterspouts were observed.

Wider weather episode

High pressure ridging over the eastern United States provided an environment conducive for waterspout formation, with converging northeast to east winds over the Lower Florida Keys. Convective cloud lines in the western lee of the Lower Florida Keys produced two rounds of waterspout formation during the afternoon hours.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (24.6100, -81.7800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1092659. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.