Waterspout dances near Lamma Island

A rare waterspout was spotted swirling near Lamma Island on Sunday (Oct 12) afternoon, creating a dramatic spectacle over the sea.

The Observatory confirmed the phenomenon occurred around 1 pm after receiving reports from residents. The spout was seen descending from a funnel-shaped cloud.

Photographs captured the event showing a distinct, rotating column of mist and water connecting the sea surface to the clouds above. The spout churned up spray as it moved across the water.

The Observatory explained that a waterspout is a rapidly rotating column of cloud and water droplets. It forms extending from the base of a convective cloud down to a body of water.

While impressive, these phenomena typically have lower wind speeds than tornadoes that form over land. Their ability to draw water upwards has earned them the folk name "dragon sucking water."

While the southern waters of Hong Kong Island and Cheung Chau see them annually, waterspouts are most common in June and July. Their appearance in October is considered extremely rare.

The sighting provided a striking meteorological display during a day of otherwise overcast and unsettled weather across the city.