A Malabar Hill resident spotted a water-tornado off Mumbai’s coast on October 5, 2020. Shortly after the water-tornado was spotted, some parts of the city including the suburbs, witnessed isolated incidents of light rain. It was explained as a rare phenomenon, and the picture shared on social media shows just how intense it was. Water tornado has a five-part life cycle—formation of a dark spot on the water surface, spiral pattern on the water surface, the formation of a spray ring, development of the visible condensation funnel ( a funnel cloud), and ultimately, decay. Not only can it cause havoc to mariners, but water tornado can also devastate coral reefs and marine organisms that are close to the water surface.

Source: Hindustan Times May 14, 2024 07:28 UTC