An awe-inspiring waterspout coupled with a massive storm cloud captivated residents in Southwest Florida this past Friday, as the sky presented a rare natural phenomenon seldom seen in the area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami–South Florida confirmed on X that they received numerous reports of waterspouts along a cold front moving over the Gulf of Mexico during the afternoon.
Additionally, the service described the sighting of a "stunning shelf cloud," a large, arc-shaped formation that typically heralds severe storms, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
According to NWS data, the Naples weather station (KAPF) recorded wind gusts reaching up to 47 miles per hour (about 75 kilometers per hour) shortly before 2 p.m.
As a result, a wind advisory remained in effect for Collier County until 7 p.m.
Photos and videos shared by locals and seafarers depicted a well-defined column of water over the ocean and a dark cloud front advancing towards the shore. Witnesses described the event as both "impressive and frightening."
Waterspouts—water tornadoes formed by air vortexes over the sea—are not uncommon in Florida's peninsula during cold fronts or local storms, but they are rarely observed with such clarity and size.
This unusual natural spectacle quickly went viral on social media, with users posting videos of the phenomenon showing skies washed in shades of gray and blue over the Gulf.
In a surprising twist for the "Sunshine State," Florida experienced another rare event: snow.
On Sunday, January 18th, the city of Marianna in Jackson County, located in the state's northwest, became the focal point of this occurrence, reporting snowfall for several hours.
Unusual Weather Phenomena in Florida
What is a waterspout?
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, created by air vortexes that descend from clouds. They are common in regions like Florida during certain weather conditions.
What causes a shelf cloud?
A shelf cloud forms as warm, moist air is lifted by a cold front, creating a dramatic arc-shaped cloud that often signals the onset of severe weather.
How rare is snow in Florida?
Snow is an extremely rare phenomenon in Florida, particularly known as the "Sunshine State." It can occur in the northern regions during unusual cold snaps.