Waterspout Spotted Over Charleston Harbor
On August 13, Charleston Harbor was the site of a rare atmospheric phenomenon. A waterspout was observed spinning over the harbor’s waters, causing a stir amongst local residents and visitors. Coming just a week after multiple tornadoes were reported in the region during Tropical Storm Debby, the waterspout added to the swirling weather activities seen in the Lowcountry lately.
The National Weather Service Confirmation
The presence of the waterspout was confirmed by the local National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston office. They issued a special marine warning for Charleston Harbor and the coastal region between the South Santee River and Edisto Beach. Images and videos of the waterspout started circulating on social media, captivating the public’s attention.
Waterspouts in Charleston
According to the NWS meteorologist, Peter Mohlin, Charleston witnesses around 12 waterspouts each year, typically during the period from June to early September. Waterspouts are rapidly rotating columns of air that ascend from the water surface to the cloud base. While they might initially appear threatening, most are “non-tornadic” and don’t reach the destructive wind speeds of tornadoes.
Waterspouts in this region are more likely to have gale force wind speed, with some even reaching hurricane-force gusts. Though they may appear menacing, waterspouts generally last a short duration of about 15 to 20 minutes.
Recent Weather Activity in the Region
The appearance of a waterspout over Charleston Harbor is yet another addition to the unusual weather activities observed in the Lowcountry in the past week. Tropical Storm Debby brought with it multiple tornadoes that caused extensive damage to homes and businesses in Charleston.
This latest waterspout sighting has further highlighted the volatile weather conditions in the region and urged residents to stay alert to the potential risks and dangers these weather phenomena may pose.
Handling potential threats from waterspouts efficiently requires accurate forecasts and warnings, which is why authorities are studying these phenomena and their patterns. Information such as their frequency, patterns, and typical duration can help improve weather forecasting, ensure the safety of those in coastal regions, and minimize property damage.
