Kansas beachgoers hit by debris launched into air by waterspout, Florida officials say
Two Kansans were at a Florida beach when a waterspout formed over the water and made its way to shore, according to local news outlets.
The waterspout — a “whirling column of air and water mist” similar to a tornado — launched beach gear and other debris into the air as it moved along the coast on June 16, video shows.
The video shared by the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department shows tents and chairs flying along the beach as beachgoers screamed and ran from the water.
A small #waterspout moved ashore quickly this afternoon on #ClearwaterBeach near lifeguard Tower 2. Two people went to the hospital with minor injuries after being struck by flying debris. @NWSTampaBay @DenisPhillipsWx @PaulFox13 @10TampaBay @WFLA @BN9 @NWS @NWSSPC pic.twitter.com/so2YwIzkra
— Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department (@clearwaterfire) June 17, 2023
At least two people were struck by debris, authorities said.
The 63-year-old man and 70-year-old woman, a couple from Kansas, were taken to a hospital with “very minor injuries,” WTSP reported. They were at Barefoot Beach House restaurant when the waterspout moved in.
Shortly before the waterspout, at 1:40 p.m., the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department tweeted that “gusty westerly winds are creating rough seas and hazardous swimming conditions.” Swimmers were advised to use “extreme caution.”
If you encounter a waterspout, experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say you should “move at a 90-degree angle to its apparent movement.”
Clearwater is in Florida’s Tampa Bay area.
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