Community Corner

Waterspout in Westchase: 'We Were Lucky,' Officials Say

Did you see the waterspout yesterday?

All eyes were on the sky Monday evening as a waterspout moved through Westchase and north Pinellas.

The tight funnel cloud could be seen spinning in the sky from throughout the area causing some to think it may be a tornado. Just after 6 p.m. the National Weather Service confirmed that the cloud was indeed a water spout.

“We’ve had a lot of calls,” National Weather Service meteorologist Rodney Wynn told Patch on Monday about the waterspout. The cloud was seen in the Westchase, Oldsmar and Dunedin areas, Wynn added.

While the waterspout didn't cause damage in Westchase, it did damage at least one home in Oldsmar.

The resident of the home at 422 Shore Drive left her home when she saw the waterspout make its way into the neighborhood. No injuries were reported.

"It was a pretty intense waterspout but fortunately for us it was minor and nobody was injured," said Dean O'Nale, Oldsmar Fire and EMS Chief.

Find out what's happening in Westchasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch Facebook readers also chimed in about the odd cloud. On Westchase Patch's Facebook Page, Nathalie Stefanski wrote "Waterspout on Courtney Campbell--saw it from Clearwater forming in sky."

Sarah Snyder Tomacruz wrote "Yes! I just watched it form and come down in Westchase!" about the cloud.

Westchase Patch is your place to turn when Florida’s weather turns less than friendly. You can catch up on the latest forecast here and even share what’s happening on your street on our boards. Just post your weather photos, storm-related closings and more right to the site to connect with your neighbors right away.



Find out what's happening in Westchasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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