Multiple Spouts Over Eastern Lake Ontario
November 26, 2018
Photographer: Malcolm Park
Summary Authors: Malcolm Park; Jim Foster
The photos above showing multiple waterspouts were observed over eastern Lake Ontario, near Wellington, on October 23, 2018. Ontario. A line of storms formed over the lake, and at one point we counted nine funnels dangling from the parent cloud. One funnel would dissipate and then another would form in a different part of the cloud. Several interacted with the surface as shown in the bottom photo. So they weren't just funnel clouds but reached the surface. This was most definitely a once in a lifetime sight and amazingly was viewed from my backyard.
Waterspouts come in two different varieties: fair weather and tornadic. Telling the difference between the two isn't always a straightforward proposition. However, fair weather spouts often appear to develop on the water's surface and climb skyward. Often blue sky can be seen nearby. Tornadic spouts develop from the base of storm clouds (non-supercell storms) that have moved over open water. The waterspouts featured here are tornadic. Take heed when these type of spouts approach.
Photo Details: Top: Camera: NIKON D3S; Software: Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 (Windows); Exposure Time: 0.013s (1/80); Aperture: ƒ/22.0; ISO equivalent: 2000; Focal Length (35mm): 70; Lens: 70.0-200.0 mm f/2.8. Bottom - same except: Aperture: ƒ/13.0.