4 'waterspouts' seen in S'pore on Jan. 2 probably distant thundery showers instead

On Jan. 2 afternoon, a woman in Singapore posted a photo on Chinese social media Xiaohongshu, stating that she had seen "waterspouts" for the first time.

In the comments section, she told another user that the perceived "waterspouts" resulted from one "waterspout" splitting four ways earlier on.

Another Xiaohongshu user shared in the comments section that they had caught the "waterspouts" on camera as well.

A waterspout is a column of rotating, cloud-filled wind that descends from a cumulus cloud to an ocean or a lake.

Although it resembles a tornado, a waterspout is usually smaller and less intense.

Additionally, waterspouts either form over water or move from land to water, whereas tornadoes occur over land.

Photo appeared to capture 'distant showers': MSS

In response to Mothership's queries, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), which is under the National Environment Agency (NEA), said that the Xiaohongshu photo appeared to capture "distant showers" rather than waterspouts.

According to MSS, such observations are "common" when one is a distance away from the showers.

MSS added that on Jan. 2, moderate thundery showers affected the northern, southern, and western parts of Singapore between 3pm and 8pm.

At around 4pm, when the woman posted her photo, showers were observed over Sentosa and the Southern Islands.

The daily total rainfall registered over Sentosa on Jan. 2 was 6.6mm, said MSS.

Waterspout spotted at Tuas in 2023

In October 2023, a Facebook user caught a waterspout on camera near the Tuas port construction site.

In the video, a column of air and mist could be seen whirling against the backdrop of a grey and cloud-filled sky.

At the time, MSS said intense thunderstorms were observed over the sea west of Tuas, located near the construction site.

While the waterspout was powerful enough to move land objects weighing 100kg for 20 to 30m, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it did not cause damage to construction equipment on site.

MPA added that there were no injured personnel as well, as construction workers who were working on site took shelter immediately after being alerted to the waterspout.

The waterspout lasted for around eight minutes, according to MPA.

Top image via Xiaohongshu