SOARED BY 200% BY 2035. >> WELL, THIS MORNING, IT IS OUR SECOND STRAIGHT GULF COAST WEATHER IMPACT DAY. WE’VE SEEN SOME CRAZY VIDEO FROM OUR VIEWERS, INCLUDING ONE THAT LOOKED LIKE MAYBE A LAND SPOUT US ON A GOOD USED TO LIKE, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LAND SPOUT OR TORNADO? AND THAT’S WHAT THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL BE DETERMINING LIKELY TODAY. THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IS JUST WHERE IT ORIGINATES. SO LET’S GET YOU. >> WHERE THIS WAS THIS HAPPENED AROUND 3.40, YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. SO THIS WAS IN CAPE CORAL, JUST SOUTH OF VETERANS. NOW, AS WE SAY, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EITHER ASSESSED THE DAMAGE OR DO SOME MORE RADAR ANALYSIS TODAY. THE DETERMINING FACTOR WOULD BE WHERE DID THIS CIRCULATION ACTUALLY ORIGINATE WITH A LAND SPOUT? IT’S USUALLY FROM THE GROUND UP. IT’S A SURFACE BAY CIRCULATION THAT EXTENDS UP TOWARD A CLOUD, A TORNADO. AND IF THIS IS DETERMINED TO BE A TORNADO, LIKELY A WEAK EF 0 WITH WINDS. 65 TO 85 MILES PER HOUR. BUT THIS IS WHAT YOU THINK OF WITH A CLASSIC SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING. THE ROTATION EXTENDS DOWN FR
Here’s the difference between a landspout and a tornado
The NWS reported a possible landspout in Cape Coral Sunday afternoon.
Updated: 8:36 AM EDT May 18, 2026
On Sunday, around 3:40 p.m., the National Weather Service confirmed a possible landspout or tornado in Cape Coral. While the two terms may appear similar, the main difference comes down to where the rotation originates. In a tornado, the rotation is cloud-based, extending down to the surface. In a landspout, there is a surface circulation that extends up toward a cloud. If the National Weather Service determines this was a tornado, it would likely be ranked as an EF-0 with winds around 65-85 mph. Landspouts tend to be weaker than tornadoes. Count on the Gulf Coast Storm Team to keep you informed on storm reports from Sunday’s severe weather. However you watch or scroll, we’re committed to delivering your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast, one you can rely on every day, wherever you are.Live Interactive Radar: Track conditions in real time with the Gulf Coast Live Radar.Watch Gulf Coast Weather: Find the latest weather forecast videos, streaming live or on demand, on TV and online.Stream on the Go: Download the free Gulf Coast News app to watch on your phone or tablet.Your Gulf Coast Weather TeamChief Meteorologist Allyson RaeMeteorologist Caroline CastoraMeteorologist Jim DickeyMeteorologist Lauren HopeMeteorologist Raphael TavernierMeteorologist Rob DunsMeteorologist Sara BlueFollow on Social: Follow, like and subscribe to Gulf Coast News on social media to share your tips and be part of the conversation with Southwest Florida’s most experienced, trusted weather team: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Bluesky | Nextdoor | XDOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest breaking news and weather alerts. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
FORT MYERS, Fla. —
On Sunday, around 3:40 p.m., the National Weather Service confirmed a possible landspout or tornado in Cape Coral. While the two terms may appear similar, the main difference comes down to where the rotation originates.
In a tornado, the rotation is cloud-based, extending down to the surface. In a landspout, there is a surface circulation that extends up toward a cloud.
Gulf Coast News
Tornado vs. Landspout
If the National Weather Service determines this was a tornado, it would likely be ranked as an EF-0 with winds around 65-85 mph.
Gulf Coast News
Enhance Fujita Scale
Landspouts tend to be weaker than tornadoes. Count on the Gulf Coast Storm Team to keep you informed on storm reports from Sunday’s severe weather.
However you watch or scroll, we’re committed to delivering your Gulf Coast Weather Most Accurate Forecast, one you can rely on every day, wherever you are.
Live Interactive Radar: Track conditions in real time with the Gulf Coast Live Radar.
Watch Gulf Coast Weather: Find the latest weather forecast videos, streaming live or on demand, on TV and online.
Stream on the Go: Download the free Gulf Coast News app to watch on your phone or tablet.
Your Gulf Coast Weather Team
Follow on Social: Follow, like and subscribe to Gulf Coast News on social media to share your tips and be part of the conversation with Southwest Florida’s most experienced, trusted weather team: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Bluesky | Nextdoor | X
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest breaking news and weather alerts. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.