What is the best definition of the word clouds as it is used in this sentence from paragraph 6 in the passage?

Clouds form in three basic patterns: Cirrus, Stratus, and Cumulus, since I can't see the passage this is the only way I can answer.

this phenomenon does not occur very frequently because, in order to this happen, there must be could air and warm water on the ocean, sea, or lake to create a waterspout. then the winds must be strong, because depending on how fast the winds are whipping, anything that is within about one yard of the surface of the water, including sailboats or fish of different sizes, can be lifted into the air.