UPDATE: Waterspout spotted off Siesta Key

The National Weather Service has reported the sighting of a waterspout four miles south of Siesta Key, moving northeast at 20 miles per hour.

Earlier: The National Weather Service reported a waterspout off the shores of Longboat Key this afternoon. The waterspout headed north at 20 miles per hour before weakening and dissipating.

The waterspout, which could have become a tornado if it came ashore, was heading northeast toward the Bayshore Gardens area in Bradenton and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport around 2 p.m. The waterspout dissipated before it made its way to shore.

Tornado warnings in effect for Manatee County and northwestern Sarasota County have been lifted.

Strong thunderstorms are expected to continue this afternoon as a front makes its way through the area.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].