A waterspout was caught on camera Wednesday morning around 10:20 a.m. above the waters of Nuevitas, a coastal and industrial municipality in northern Camagüey. The footage, shared by the Camagüey Meteorological Center on social media, captured the event.
The video reveals a swirling column extending from ominous clouds down to the sea's surface, with port infrastructure prominently visible in the foreground.
The meteorological center's text overlay on the released images confirms it: "Waterspout in Nuevitas."
No damage to property or injuries were reported as a result of the phenomenon.
Recurring Phenomena in Nuevitas
This sighting isn't unprecedented in the area. Back in June 2020, another waterspout was spotted in Nuevitas, similarly confirmed by the Camagüey Meteorological Center, with no reported damage, highlighting the municipality's susceptibility to such events given its coastal characteristics.
Nuevitas, home to approximately 62,000 residents, is located about 75 km north of the city of Camagüey. It boasts significant industrial infrastructure, including the "10 de Octubre" thermoelectric power plant, the "26 de Julio" cement factory, Tarafa Port — a hub for exports — and a vibrant fishing and agro-industrial sector.
Weather Patterns and Waterspouts
The occurrence coincides with the start of Cuba's official rainy season, beginning May 1st, which accounts for around 80% of the country's annual rainfall. This period is especially conducive to atmospheric instability, fostering the development of waterspouts and other convective phenomena.
Signs of this instability had already been evident weeks prior. On April 27, funnel clouds were observed in Ciego de Ávila and Las Tunas. Meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez confirmed these as high-altitude waterspouts that did not reach the ground.
That same day in Florida, Camagüey, a high-altitude waterspout accompanied by winds reaching 70 km/h, 76 mm of rain in an hour, and hail in the Jurugüey and Edén neighborhoods, marked a sustained pattern of regional atmospheric instability during that period.
Increased Frequency of Waterspouts in Cuba
In recent months, Cuba has seen a notable increase in these phenomena. In August 2025, a waterspout off the Malecón in Havana caused panic among pedestrians and drivers but dissipated without making landfall or causing material damage.
A few days later, another waterspout was seen at Bibijagua Beach on the Isle of Youth, and in June of that year, a similar event occurred near Varadero, outlining a pattern of sightings across several provinces.
According to the Institute of Meteorology, non-tornadic waterspouts, the most common type in Cuba, form over open waters due to atmospheric pressure changes, last only a few minutes, and rarely cause land damage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterspouts in Cuba
What causes waterspouts to form in Cuba?
Waterspouts in Cuba typically form over open waters due to changes in atmospheric pressure, especially during the rainy season when atmospheric instability is heightened.
Are waterspouts dangerous in Cuba?
Non-tornadic waterspouts, which are the most common in Cuba, usually last just a few minutes and rarely cause damage once they reach land.
Where in Cuba are waterspouts most frequently observed?
Waterspouts are frequently observed in coastal areas such as Nuevitas, Havana's Malecón, and Varadero, as well as the Isle of Youth.