On the morning of August 23, 2005 I awoke to a typical, balmy summer day. I walked out on my deck to enjoy the beautiful weather, looked to the east and was astounded to see a giant funnel cloud reaching from the ocean all the way up into the sky. I grabbed my camera bag, and rushed to the beach to photograph this rarity. I've lived here 32 years and have seen several waterspouts, but never had the opportunity to successfully photograph them.
Today was different as I shot one, another formed to the south, only a few hundred yards off the beach. They made a hissing sound as they moved slowly to the northeast. I was surprised to see a third one forming right on the beach to the south, about a quarter mile away. It was kicking up lots of sand and sucking it skyward, then moved offshore to gain strength, until dissipating 15 minutes later.
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Contact Michael Halminski by e-mail to place your order at mhphotos@outer-banks.com or call (252) 987-2401
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