Waterspout — Chesapeake Bay Smith Pt To Windmill Pt Va, Atlantic North

2025-07-31 · near Tangier Island, Chesapeake Bay Smith Pt To Windmill Pt Va, Atlantic North

Event narrative

Several reports and pictures were received showing a couple of waterspouts in the Chesapeake Bay to the northwest of Tangier Island. One waterspout was observed from Reedville, looking across the bay.

Wider weather episode

A front was located north of the region and gradually moved south in response to an approaching mid level disturbance. To the south of the front, robust heating of a moist low level airmass resulted in increasing instability by the afternoon and evening hours. Strong convection resulted in areas of strong winds and waterspouts during the late afternoon and evening.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.8612, -76.0671)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1286641. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.