Waterspout — Chokoloskee To Bonita Beach Fl Out 20nm, Gulf of Mexico

2021-09-02 · near Wiggins Pass, Chokoloskee To Bonita Beach Fl Out 20nm, Gulf of Mexico

Event narrative

Broadcast media shared a picture of a waterspout via social media off the coast of Marco Island. The same waterspout was observed by a trained spotter near Goodland. The waterspout moved little.

Wider weather episode

The combination of high pressure sinking southward and Tropical Depression Ida over the Northeast U.S. allowed for a mid-level trough and deep moisture to sink southward across the region. This prompted light S to SW flow, which pushed the Gulf Sea Breeze inland and towards the east coast while the Atlantic Sea Breeze pinned along the east coast. With adequate moisture and shear, strong storms developed, especially in areas where the sea breezes collided. Multiple waterspouts and strong winds were reported across the Gulf waters.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (25.8848, -81.7428)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 984284. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.