Waterspout:
A luxury yacht sank off Sicily, Italy, during a violent storm, resulting in one confirmed death and six individuals missing, possibly due to a waterspout.
- Waterspouts are significant atmospheric phenomena characterised by rotating columns of air that form over water bodies.
- These tornado-like structures typically develop overseas or in large lakes, presenting a spectacular display of nature’s power.
- It is a weaker version of a tornado, typically lasting 5-10 minutes.
- Average diameter is around 165 feet (50 meters).
- Wind speeds can reach up to 100 km/h (60 mph).
- The formation of a waterspout varies depending on its type:
- Fair-weather waterspouts occur when cool air flows over open water, pulling water upwards and creating the waterspout.
- Tornadic waterspouts are more likely to form during thunderstorms. Some may even start as tornadoes on land and then move over water.
- These waterspouts typically develop in the sky and extend downward.
