Video: Incredible Waterspout Life Cycle Captured off Pensacola Beach

A remarkable video captured a waterspout developing over the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola Beach, Florida, early Sunday morning.

The footage shows the different stages of the waterspout’s life cycle as the rotating column forms beneath the clouds, strengthens over the water and eventually begins to dissipate.

Meteorologist James Spann shared the dramatic video, which was recorded by Julie Senter. The sight quickly attracted attention online because of the clear view it provided of the weather phenomenon’s development.

Waterspouts are rotating columns of air and water mist that form over oceans, bays and large lakes. People near the coast are advised to remain cautious because some waterspouts can move ashore and become tornadoes.