Overview

• The International Centre for Waterspout Research confirmed more than 25 waterspouts over the Great Lakes during August 23–24, with additional reports under review.
• Outlooks call for favorable conditions to persist through August 26, with some forecasts noting a chance the risk could linger into Wednesday.
• Videos and photos showed multiple nearshore formations, including sightings on Lakes Michigan and Erie, as social media documented the event.
• Meteorologists cite a classic setup of cold air aloft over comparatively warm lake surfaces, supported by a cold front and an upper-level low.
• The National Weather Service advises moving at a 90-degree angle away from a waterspout and seeking the nearest harbor if on a boat, noting these typically short-lived funnels still pose dangers to people on the water.