What began as a relaxing Labor Day outing on Galveston Beach quickly turned unsettling when a large waterspout appeared just off the Texas Gulf Coast. The sudden stormy sight caught many beachgoers off guard, sending winds and waves crashing across the shoreline.
Waterspout Sighted Near Seawall and 45th Street
According to KHOU, the waterspout formed around 1 p.m. near Seawall and 45th Street. The Galveston Beach Patrol immediately asked people to clear the beach for safety. Strong winds toppled chairs, umbrellas, tents, and even barbecue pits, creating chaos along the sand. Luckily, no one was injured.
Meteorologist Explains the Conditions
KHOU 11 meteorologist Chris Ramirez noted that rotation was visible as isolated storms popped up ahead of a sea breeze front. Radar picked up winds near 60 mph inside the non-tornadic waterspout — strong enough to blow over lightweight equipment and cause damage.
Though powerful, waterspouts are usually short-lived. Most last anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes, but even in that short time, they can cause major disruption to people enjoying the beach.
Social Media Captures the Moment
As with many weather events, photos and videos quickly made their way online. Videos shared by locals, including one by Rick Harper, showed the swirling waterspout moving across the beach and stirring up waves, giving viewers a close look at the unexpected storm.
The Labor Day weekend waterspout on Galveston Island is a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change on the Texas Gulf Coast.
While it didn’t cause injuries, the high winds created a brief moment of havoc for beachgoers. Staying aware of weather alerts and listening to beach patrol warnings can make all the difference when enjoying time by the sea.
