Impressive Waterspout Approaches Capital

Nature provided another dramatic tropical treat last week, as a strong funnel cloud whipped up wind and water just offshore from the capital late Thursday morning.

While there were thousands of viewers and photos taken, here are two reactions:

Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery said that, while these waterspouts are not like the large super-cell tornados, we sometimes see causing havoc in the overseas news, they are nevertheless strong and potentially dangerous, so boaters should avoid them.

The day's outlook has called for a few scattered showers, but otherwise nice island breezes.

Mr. Powery said the funnel-cloud phenomenon is a small-scale tornado, which especially occurs when there are very light winds.

"They usually form over water, which provides the idea temperature to keep them going."

However, they usually dissipate once they hit land, due to the lack of water as well as the friction of land-based items.

In another perspective, nature enthusiast John McDow said: "I'm a complete weather nerd so this absolutely made my day!"

"John said he was at Kirk Home Centre when he saw a group of excited people outside looking in the direction of the waterfront and taking pictures.

The resulting images John posted have been appreciated by many people -here and abroad.

Going outside to see what they were looking at; he also saw the "fairly large and organized waterspout".

He shared that he then ran to his truck and drove to the waterfront at the end of Bodden Road to get better photos.

"There was already a large group of people there watching the waterspout, taking photos and video. The waterspout was lit up by the sun with dark clouds behind it, making it look amazing! It moved towards the beach near the Wharf but dissipated just before reaching the shore."

Thousands of people, locally and overseas, have since appreciated the images that McDow posted.