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

2023-05-18 · near Big Pine Key, Gulf of Mexico From West End of Seven Mile Bridge To Halfmoon Shoal Out To 5 Fathoms, Gulf of Mexico

Event narrative

A mature waterspout was observed just east of Little Torch Key on the Gulf of Mexico side of South Pine Channel. A nearly-vertical, narrow condensation cloud extended about 80 percent of the way down from cloud base, with the spray ring displaced to the north. The waterspout was nearly stationary.

Wider weather episode

A surface ridge extended across the Bahamas while a trough of low pressure was located over the southeast United States. A weak pressure pattern existed over the Florida Keys along with ample moisture for convection. An isolated waterspout developed over the South Pine Channel.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (24.6700, -81.3800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1099392. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.