NWS Jackson, MS - July 23, 2014 Ross Barnett Reservoir Waterspout

July 23, 2014 Ross Barnett Reservoir Waterspout

On the evening of July 23rd, a very rare waterspout developed over the Ross Barnett Reservoir. According to pictures and eyewitness accounts, the waterspout occurred over the middle portions of the reservoir between Fannin and Goshen Springs. The waterspout was associated with a developing thunderstorm but formed just north of the thunderstorm around 6:26pm. The waterspout remained nearly stationary for about 10 to 15 minutes before dissipating.

There are two types of waterspouts - tornadic waterspouts and fair weather waterspouts. The waterspout which occurred on July 23rd was of the "fair weather" variety of waterspouts. These types of waterspouts typically occur in light wind conditions, and due to this they frequently move very slowly if at all. They are also typically associated with developing cumulus clouds which may not even be producing precipitation yet. These waterspouts are usually not associated with severe thunderstorms. However, they can move ashore and be strong enough to produce damage. A notable recent example of a fair weather waterspout occurred on August 19, 2012.

On the other hand, tornadic waterspouts are associated with a severe thunderstorm and have all of the same characteristics as a tornado; they just happen to move across water. They are often accompanied by large hail and very high winds away from the vortex. A notable recent example of a tornadic waterspout occurred on April 15, 2011. The same supercell thunderstorm that produced a damaging tornado in Clinton and Jackson also produced a tornadic waterspout over Ross Barnett Reservoir. This waterspout eventually moved ashore, becoming a tornado.

For a graphical comparison of a tornado to a waterspout, click here:

Waterspout Pictures

This waterspout was seen and photographed by many people in the Ross Barnett Reservoir area. Some distant locations in Rankin County, including Fannin, Castlewoods and Highway 471, and Madison County, including Gluckstadt and Canton, were able to see the waterspout. Here are some of the pictures that were sent to us. If you'd like to submit your picture, you may email us at sr-jan.webmaster@noaa.gov, post your picture to our Facebook page, or send us a tweet @NWSJacksonMS.

Waterspout Picture
Taken by Glenn Page at Goshen Springs