CLEARWATER, Fla. — A large waterspout was spotted early Thursday morning near Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach as severe storms pushed inland from the Gulf of Mexico.
Mike Scantlin recorded a video from the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach that showed the waterspout moving across the water before going out of view at around 1:45 a.m.
The waterspout then moved ashore which, at that point, is called a tornado. Several homes were damaged and debris was thrown about near Eldorado Avenue and Bay Esplanade.
Other photos and video shared by Evan Occhino showed what may be the tornado — clearly evident by the funnel — in the Clearwater Beach area.
Forecasters warned of the threat of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes into the overnight hours. Since late Wednesday evening, storms moving along and near a frontal boundary showed signs of strengthening and rotation.
Although much of the threat has passed, a tornado watch remains in effect until 3 p.m. for most of Tampa Bay and areas northward.