Twin Waterspouts Spotted Off Bradenton Coast During Sunday Storms

Residents across Bradenton and other parts of Tampa Bay witnessed a rare weather phenomenon Sunday afternoon when twin waterspouts appeared over coastal waters. The spectacle occurred around 5:30 p.m., prompting a surge of photos and videos shared by locals.

The double waterspouts formed offshore as storm systems moved through the region, drawing attention from beachgoers, boaters, and residents along the shoreline. The sighting marks one of the more dramatic weather events to hit the Gulf Coast this summer, though no damage or injuries were reported.

Waterspouts, which are essentially tornadoes that form over water, are not uncommon in Florida during warm, humid months, especially along the Gulf of Mexico. However, dual waterspouts are much less frequent and tend to draw increased public interest due to their rare and striking appearance.

Meteorologists noted that the atmospheric conditions on Sunday were conducive to waterspout formation, including high humidity, warm water temperatures, and low wind shear. The spouts eventually dissipated as the storm system weakened later in the evening.

Officials remind boaters and beach visitors to exercise caution and monitor weather alerts during active storm patterns, as waterspouts can pose serious hazards to marine traffic and those along the coast.

Photo by Sky Beard.