Images: Twin Tornadoes Waterspouts in Action
Birth of a waterspout
On May 9, 2012, a scientist caught the birth of twin waterspouts on film.
To the ground
The twisters formed at the leading edge of severe weather that swept across Louisiana's Grand Isle.
A second on the way
The twin waterspouts lasted about 10 or 15 minutes.
Playing chase
Tim Osborn, a scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who caught the twisters in action, said the waterspouts grew larger, and moved in tandem.
Scary sight
This type of waterspout is called a tornadic waterspout, since it forms in the clouds.
Bigger, not better
The twin waterspouts were accompanied by pounding rain and powerful winds.
Getting bigger
One twister kicks up a halo of spray.
Lift off
One tornado barreled across the island, cutting power and damaging homes.
Aftermath
It left a swath of damage a quarter-mile long and 400 feet (122 meters) across. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
