Waterspout Forms In Barnegat Bay (See Photos, Video)

BARNEGAT BAY, NJ — A waterspout was spotted off the coast of Island Beach State Park Tuesday as a brief downpour swept through Ocean County on an otherwise beautiful day.

A storm passed along the coast of Ocean County Tuesday morning with downpours, while other parts of the county remained sunny.

The waterspout formed off Island Beach State Park at about 10:38 a.m., the National Weather Service confirmed. And it ended shortly after it was formed, witnesses told Patch.

It briefly came ashore, the National Weather Service said, technically making it a landspout for a short time.

"It quickly weakened then dissipated after it crossed the sand dunes," the National Weather Service said.

After, the National Weather Service issued a special marine warning on Long Beach Island.

"Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts," the National Weather Service said. "Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Seek safe harbor immediately."

There was no damage reported, according to the National Weather Service.

Waterspouts are tornados that form over water, according to the National Weather Service. They share the same characteristics as land tornados. They often are associated with severe thunderstorms. If a waterspout crosses onto land, it becomes a tornado.

If you have photos of the waterspout, send them to veronica.flesher@patch.com.

Patch will update as more information becomes available.