Increased sightings of Waterspouts – is there a link to climate change?

We are noticing increased sightings of waterspouts in Trinidad and Tobago. Within the past forty days, there have been reports supplemented with video evidence of three waterspouts recorded – two in Trinidad and one in Tobago.

A mini tornado that ripped through a section of Westmoorings, Trinidad, migrated in-shore to form a waterspout. This was followed two days later by another waterspout spotted off the coast of Lambeau, Tobago on Thursday 9th October 2025.

On Sunday 11th September 2025, at 1:30 PM, a pair of waterspouts were spotted east of Manzanilla coast, possibly formed from a weak line of showers that weakened as it approached land. 

While there have been several sightings over the past years, based on videos and photographs shared by the Trinidad and Tobago Weather Centre, waterspouts are not uncommon in our waters.  According to the NOAA, a waterspout is a column of rotating air that forms and moves over a body of water – lake, river, sea – typically extending from a cumulus (thunderstorm) cloud down to the water’s surface. It is similar to a tornado in appearance and shape, but occurs over water rather than land.

Common in tropical regions, such as the Caribbean, there are two main types which include fair-weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. Fair-weather waterspouts are associated with tropical climates and are formed when winds blowing in two different directions collide.  This collision of the two winds makes air move upwards as it has nowhere to go, and the rising air forms a vertical column sucking up water, creating a waterspout.  Fair-weather waterspouts are generally weaker, whereas tornadic waterspouts are capable of significant damage, particularly if they move onto land.  In general, warm and relatively calm water combined with localised thunderstorms create ideal conditions for waterspouts to form. 

•Risks at Sea?

Waterspouts can generate winds up to 100 mph, strong enough to capsize small boats or damage larger vessels should these be in the path of a waterspout at sea.  These dangers include structural damage should the boats be caught up in the vortex of the waterspout, visibility issues can increase the risk of collisions or grounding, winds are known to become tempestuous, creating excessively high waves and rough seas.

•Safety Protocols for Mariners

Always monitor weather forecasts before heading out to sea;

Periodically check radar for signs of waterspout activity as these form without any forecasts

Avoid sailing in areas with warm, shallow waters during stormy conditions.

Steer away from the path of a waterspout

Do not attempt to navigate through or near a waterspout.

•Link to Climate Change?

Sea surface temperatures are increasing at an alarming rate in the midst of global warming, thereby providing more energy and moisture to the atmosphere, which are the ingredients needed for formation. While several research has shown that the ocean is warming, and there is a link between the occurrence of waterspouts and sea surface temperatures, there is a lack of research data, studies and information linking waterspouts to climate change. 

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) continues to conduct research and monitoring of the coastal and marine areas of Trinidad and Tobago using enhanced data collection methods for analysis.   The IMA supports and encourages citizen scientists whose photos and videos of waterspouts provide valuable visual evidence for analysis, helping researchers to understand occurrence, formation patterns and structure. 

All photos courtesy: Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center