ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — At least two waterspouts were spotted on Lake Michigan Sunday, as fall-like weather with below normal temperatures poured into the Great Lakes.
The attached photo was submitted by Nick Schrader from Valparaiso, Ind. Nick is a weather photographer and happened to be on the beach in St. Joseph at about 3:30 in the afternoon. He snapped the photo and estimated the funnel was about two to three miles off shore.
We also had unconfirmed reports of at least one or more waterspouts around the South Haven area, and another confirmed waterspout off shore from Manistee. FOX 17 viewer Mitch Wolgast was fishing on Lake Michigan early Sunday morning when he snapped the waterspout photo.
Waterspouts over the Great Lakes typically occur in the fall when cold air pours over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan. In this case, cooler air associated with an upper level low pressure system and colder air aloft generated a few funnels and waterspouts. Remember, you can always email your weather photos to weather@fox17online.com.
By the way, a high beach hazard risk exists for Monday with longshore, rip, and structural currents likely. Small craft advisories are in effect through Monday afternoon with waves expected at about three to five feet. Get the complete forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
