This video shows a huge water tornado forming in the ocean before it is later seen spiralling high in the sky just feet away from motorists stuck in traffic.
The freak weather phenomenon was captured by residents of Shanwei, which is in South China’s Guangdong Province, on the morning of 9th September.
Video Credit: AsiaWire
The footage shows witnesses watching the ocean water as the column of air spins just off the coast, creating a vortex in the South China Sea.
Video taken from Shanwei city centre then shows the large tornado floating above the sky, descending from the bottom of a thick cloud.
In images shared by the Shanwei Meteorological Bureau, the South China Sea tornado is seen from several miles off as it lingers above the sky.
Meteorological experts said the tornado was caused by hot and cold air currents meeting in unstable weather.
The isolated column of wind did not last very long, dissipating in less than an hour, while covering an area less than 100 metres (330 feet) wide.
There have been no reports of damaged boats, buildings, or injured residents.
The office reminded local residents to pay attention to weather reports, and to seek shelter during thunderstorms.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
