If a waterspout moves onshore after forming on water, it technically becomes a tornado [source: Feltgen]. ... Fair weather waterspouts move upward and, because cumulus clouds don't move much, these types of waterspouts won't move either. That means they produce pretty mild winds [source: NOAA].

Which is more dangerous a waterspout or a tornado?

The primary difference is that waterspouts occur over a body of water whereas tornadoes tend to happen over dry land. Waterspouts are a type of tornado that is usually less powerful and less destructive due to the fact that there is usually less in its path to destroy.

Can waterspouts be dangerous?

Waterspouts have long been recognized as serious marine hazards. ... Incidents of waterspouts causing severe damage and casualties are rare. However, there have been several notable examples. The Malta tornado in 1555 was the earliest record of a deadly waterspout.