Community Corner

Waterspout in East Lake: 'We Were Lucky,' Officials Say

The waterspout came ashore at 422 Shore Drive in Oldsmar and damaged the home's shingles, knocked down a mailbox, branches and a tree, according to Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputies.

All eyes were on the sky Monday evening as a waterspout moved through Westchase and north Pinellas.

The tight funnel cloud could be seen spinning in the sky from throughout the area causing some to think it may be a tornado. Just after 6 p.m. the National Weather Service confirmed that the cloud was indeed a waterspout.

“We’ve had a lot of calls,” National Weather Service meteorologist Rodney Wynn told Patch on Monday about the waterspout. The cloud was seen in the Westchase, Oldsmar and Dunedin areas, Wynn added.

At least one home was damaged from the waterspout in Oldsmar.

The resident of the home at 422 Shore Drive left her home when she saw the waterspout make its way into the neighborhood. No injuries were reported.

"It was a pretty intense waterspout but fortunately for us it was minor and nobody was injured," said Dean O'Nale, Oldsmar Fire and EMS Chief.

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