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

2023-05-15 · 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

The Naval Air Station Key West observer at Boca Chica Field observed a waterspout northwest of Key West. The condensation cloud extended about one-third of the way frm cloud base to the horizon. A second waterspout was observed to the southwest of the first waterspout, with the condensation cloud extending about one-fifth of the way from the cloud base to the horizon. The movement of the waterspouts was toward the northeast around 10 knots. The duration of the first waterspout was approximately 6 minutes, with the second dissipating after 15 minutes.

Wider weather episode

An inverted trough of low pressure over the Bahamas induced a northeast lower tropospheric flow over the Florida Keys. Combined with ample moisture, convective cloud lines developed repeatedly over the Lower Florida Keys. A few waterspouts were noted throughout the midday and evening hours.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (24.5900, -81.8600)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1099391. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.