Huge waterspout spotted during "wicked" storm off Florida gulf coast

A waterspout is a swirling column of air and water mist. They are typically associated with severe thunderstorms or intense weather systems, which can bring about strong updrafts and high levels of instability in the atmosphere. When these conditions are present, the rotation of the wind can extend from the base of the thunderstorm cloud down to the water's surface, creating a waterspout.