Sudden waterspout shocks beachgoers near Barnegat Inlet
The waterspout lasted about 2-3 minutes.
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A waterspout was spotted Tuesday morning off Island Beach State Park near Barnegat Inlet, surprising beachgoers who witnessed the event.
The National Weather Service confirms the waterspout was observed on local beach cameras and lasted two to three minutes.
Storm Watch Team Meteorologist Mike Rizzo explains how waterspouts form and whether they pose any danger.
Rizzo says as a result of the "impromptu" waterspout the NWS issued a Special Marine Warning for this event, indicating that this thunderstorm can produce sudden waterspouts.
Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. The NWS safety messaging is to seek safe harbor immediately.
Although this spout is not associated with a severe thunderstorm, these "fair weather" spouts can occur when weather fronts like a sea breeze with southeasterly winds meet an area with northerly/northwesterly winds.
It's still not advisable to approach or go near these spouts. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.
Photo by Dee Atchley
