Lake Erie breaks world record for most waterspouts in a 24-hour period, researchers say

Lake Erie is now a world record holder!

The lake broke a world record over the weekend for the most waterspouts in a 24-hour period.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research announced that there were 181 waterspouts and funnel clouds observed over Lake Erie on Oct. 7, breaking the world waterspout record. According to the research center, one observer saw 72 waterspouts.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, shared photos and videos of the record-breaking waterspouts spotted over Lake Erie on Oct. 7.

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What exactly is a waterspout?

A waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist, according to the National Ocean Service. They fall into two categories: Fair weather waterspouts, which usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds, or tornadic waterspouts, which are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water.

The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning if a waterspout moves on shore, as they could cause significant damage and injuries. Fair weather waterspouts typically dissipate rapidly once they reach land, rarely moving far inland.

The National Weather Service office in Buffalo, New York issued a special marine warning Oct. 7, warning of favorable conditions for waterspouts to form and later posted that waterspouts had been observed.

The U.S. ranks first for the most waterspout sightings, according to the International Centre for Waterspout Research, accounting for 41.7% of all waterspouts sighted. Italy ranks second, at 10.2%. As of Monday, the research center reported have been 1,615 waterspouts observed around the world this year.