Kids are out of school, summer vacations are planned and cookouts and picnics are perfect for the Summer. Because we are surrounded by or adjacent to water, boating is another major activity for Mississippians and Louisianians along the coast. During the late Spring and Summer, the Jet Stream in the upper parts of the atmosphere retreats to the north and warmer temperatures, due to more day light hour heating, creates an unstable atmosphere. The light winds at the surface and in the upper parts of the atmosphere and an unstable atmosphere are prime conditions for the formation of waterspouts.
Waterspouts are similar to tornadoes but occur over water.
In addition, waterspouts are much weaker and have a shorter life span than tornadoes. Moreover, waterspouts do not have to be associated with a parent thunderstorm like a tornado, but can evolve from rapidly developing rainshowers. This particular waterspout formed just about two miles south of Gulfport Mississippi on Friday, June 25 th, 1999. This waterspout was associated with a parent thunderstorm thus making it stronger and life span longer than most typical waterspouts. Take cover below deck.