"What is that in the sea?"... Hong Kong in chaos over the first appearance of a giant water column

First Ever Waterspout Observed Since 1959 Weather Records
Concerns Raised Over Extreme Weather Changes Along the Coastline

A waterspout phenomenon occurred for the first time in Hong Kong. However, if this waterspout had occurred on land, it would have become a tornado, raising concerns that it could be more dangerous in Hong Kong, where high-rise buildings are densely packed.

A waterspout occurred at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on the 28th (local time). [Image source=Hong Kong Hantimes, Facebook capture]

On the 28th (local time), the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and local media reported that a waterspout appeared for about two minutes around 12:30 PM in Victoria Harbour. Victoria Harbour is a port located between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island, known as one of the world's three major natural harbors and one of Hong Kong's representative tourist attractions famous for its spectacular night views. Notably, this waterspout was the first ever observed in Victoria Harbour since the start of modern meteorological observations in Hong Kong in 1959, marking 65 years of history.

A waterspout occurred at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on the 28th (local time).
[Image source: Screenshot from Hong Kong Observatory Facebook]

A waterspout is a powerful low-pressure vortex with a diameter ranging from a few meters to several hundred meters. It forms when warm, humid air near the surface rises to create cumulonimbus clouds, and a swirling wind generated on the water surface or ground ascends into the cloud. It is characterized by its narrow funnel shape. In the United States, waterspouts usually occur inland and develop into tornadoes. The Hong Kong Observatory explained that the waterspout occurred due to unstable weather conditions caused by the collision of upper atmospheric layers, resulting in showers, thunder, and lightning that day.

According to eyewitness accounts, the waterspout appeared in the Hung Hom district east of Kowloon and moved westward. It traveled from the water surface toward the land and eventually disappeared after hitting the wall of a swimming pool located next to the sea. Since a swimming competition was taking place at the pool at the time, many people present were able to witness the waterspout up close.

On the 28th (local time), a waterspout that occurred at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong is dissipating after hitting the wall of a swimming pool located next to the sea. [Image source=YouTube capture]

While Hong Kong residents were amazed by this rare natural phenomenon, some expressed concerns that the appearance of a waterspout, which had rarely been observed before, could be a sign of extreme weather changes. There are growing indications that global warming is creating conditions conducive to the formation of waterspouts and tornadoes. Hong Kong meteorologists also warn that if this waterspout had occurred on land, it would have become a tornado, posing a significant danger. Especially in Hong Kong, where high-rise buildings are densely packed, the city could be particularly vulnerable to tornadoes. Unlike typhoons, which affect Hong Kong 4 to 8 times annually and develop over several days allowing some prediction of their path and intensity, tornadoes can form within minutes, making them much harder to prepare for.