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Texas Lakes Swirl with "Steamnadoes" Amid Deadly Winter Storm
26 Jan
Summary
- Steamnadoes formed over Texas lakes due to cold air over warm waters.
- The steam vortices, while visually striking, pose no public safety threat.
- The storm has caused widespread power outages and travel disruptions.
Several "steamnadoes," described as steam vortices resembling tornadoes, have been spotted on lakes in Texas. Videos shared by the National Weather Service showed these impressive formations spiraling above Lake Lewisville in North Texas. The weather service explained that these occur when very cold Arctic air moves over still-warm lake waters, causing the steam to rotate and rise.
Despite their alarming appearance, these steam spouts or steam devils are harmless and typically last only a few minutes. They are distinct from waterspouts. Their appearance coincides with a severe winter storm, Winter Storm Fern, affecting North Texas with snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The extreme Arctic blast has caused widespread travel disruptions and left hundreds of thousands without electricity. Tragically, the storm has resulted in multiple fatalities across the country, including two confirmed deaths in Texas from exposure and a sledding accident.
