The US National Weather Service said nine waterspouts formed over Lake Michigan from two storms yesterday (Saturday, 18 August 2012).
A photographer captured five simultaneous waterspouts. At least three of the tornado-like waterspouts were reported to the National Weather Service before noon on Saturday.
Meteorologists said conditions were right for this type of vortex - a combination of cold and warm temperatures converging over the area, along with a line of storms. Though waterspouts are relatively rare, Lake Michigan also saw some a few weeks ago.
Waterspouts can also occur in Ireland. The best known example of a waterspout in Ireland in recent years occured in Bray, County Wicklow, earlier this year (below video).
