Storms push ashore in Collier after waterspout sighting

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NAPLES, Fla. A Significant Weather Advisory issued for Collier County expired at 9:45 p.m. Monday evening.

As of 8:42 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking a waterspout moving toward shore 18 miles southwest of Cape Romano, or 21 miles southwest of Marco Island, moving northeast at 15 mph, the National Weather Service said.

It’s unclear if that waterspout made landfall as storms moved onto the coast.

Frequent to excessive lightning, gusty winds from 45 to 55 mph, torrential downpours, or a combination of these were possible, the weather service said. The winds were capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, and blowing around unsecured small objects.

Threatened communities included Naples, Marco Island, Chokoloskee, Everglades City, Golden Gate Estates, Plantation Island, Carnestown, Belle Meade, Cape Romano, East Naples, Golden Gate, Lely Resort, Copeland, Royal Palm Hammock, the Marco Island Airport, Naples Manor, North Naples, Big Cypress National Preserve and Lely.

Residents were urged to seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passed.

Although typically weak and short lived, a landfalling waterspout can cause property damage, serious injury, or even death, the weather service said. Nearby piers, marinas, docks, and beach facilities are particularly vulnerable. Homes and businesses in the path of a waterspout may experience some damage, especially to roofs, porches, awnings, and pool enclosures.

Click here for live radar.

WINK meteorologist Scott Zedeker went live via Facebook to explain the threat:

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