A waterspout was observed off the coast of Protaras, captivating residents and visitors.
The phenomenon was shared on the Facebook page “Weather Enthusiasts of Cyprus”.
Waterspouts are columns of cloud-filled wind rotating over a body of water. Despite its name, a waterspout is not filled with water.
Waterspouts fall into two categories: fair-weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado and are associated with severe thunderstorms.
Fair-weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing clouds.
This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward.
The regions of Famagusta and Larnaca are experiencing severe weather conditions. Despite the intensity of the storms, which include rainfall and hail, particularly in Larnaca, no significant problems have been reported thus far.
