How Often Do Waterspouts Happen in Michigan? More Than You Think

One of my most vivid memories from elementary school was when my class spent over half the day taking shelter in a supply closet after a tornado warning was issued, and then one was then reported. My 2nd-grade teacher spent the entire time playing songs on her guitar to keep us all calm.

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Except later, we learned that the tornado reported was actually a waterspout, and it wasn't strong enough to survive on land. My teacher described it as a "tornado on the water", and while that isn't technically wrong, it isn't that simple.

Let's explore the prevalence of waterspouts in the Great Lakes.

What Is A Waterspout?

There are two types of waterspouts: tornadic and fair-weather. Fair-weather waterspouts, like the one I experienced as a kid, are more common and form over water. These aren't particularly dangerous or powerful, and they don't last long. These cannot survive on land and are not counted as tornadoes.

Tornadic waterspouts, however, are real tornadoes and form the same way a regular tornado does. A waterspout recently occurred at Torch Lake. It was a tornado that made its way over the lake before dissipating, marking the 31st tornado of the year. While this wasn't over a Great Lake, it's a perfect example of a tornadic waterspout. These can be destructive like regular tornadoes.

How Often Do These Happen?

The Great Lakes are known for their unique impact on the weather, causing phenomena such as lake-effect snow during the winter and cooler temperatures as wind blows over the lakes.

READ MORE: Michigan's First Tornado Emergency - What Is it?

While waterspouts are not exclusive to the Great Lakes, NOAA reports that they occur far more frequently during the end of summer, between August and the end of October, when the water temperatures are warm but the air temperatures are dropping.

While these unique waterspouts and tornadoes are beautiful to look at, they should still be taken seriously. Basically, pass that information along to every Midwest dad who will stand outside watching the storm approach rather than take shelter.