Waterspouts are rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm cloud to the surface of the water below. They are made up of warm, moist air that is rising rapidly, and they can be accompanied by strong winds, hail, and lightning.

How do waterspouts form?

Waterspouts form when there is a difference in air pressure between the warm, moist air rising from the thunderstorm cloud and the cooler, drier air surrounding it. This difference in air pressure creates a spinning motion, and the water from the surface of the water is sucked up into the spout.

Waterspouts can range in size from a few feet to several hundred feet in diameter, and they can reach heights of up to 1,000 feet. They can also move very quickly, and they can travel for several miles before they dissipate.

Waterspouts can be dangerous, but they are not typically as strong as tornadoes. However, they can still cause damage to boats and property, and they can be hazardous to swimmers and boaters.

Here are some tips for staying safe during a waterspout warning:

* Stay indoors and away from windows.

* If you are caught outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building or under a large tree.

* Do not go swimming or boating in areas where waterspouts have been reported.

* If you see a waterspout, report it to the National Weather Service.