Giant waterspout spotted off Cornwall coast during UK storms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

A giant waterspout was spotted off the coast of Looe, Cornwall, on Monday, October 19, as turbulent weather hit parts of southern England. The huge spinning column of air and water moved along the eastern side of Looe Island before tracking over the coast and bringing heavy rain.

Possible tornado activity was also reported in Kent and Essex. In Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, intense winds struck at approximately 11:40am on Sunday, damaging trees and properties. Local resident Gillian Lamb reported experiencing powerful winds that lasted no longer than five minutes, scattering garden furniture. Specialists at the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) indicated it was premature to determine whether the Essex event was a tornado or powerful gusts associated with showers, though they suggested a waterspout may have developed over the sea before travelling inland.

Simon Culling, a data collection and site investigator for TORRO, shared an image of the waterspout on X and encouraged people to send any other reports to the organisation. A waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist. Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water; they are associated with severe thunderstorms and are often accompanied by high winds, large hail and frequent dangerous lightning.

How it is being reported

• Giant waterspout spotted off Cornwall coast as wild weather sparks UK tornado fearsThe weather phenomenon was spotted off the coast of LooeCornwallLive · 27 Oct, 16:42
• Giant waterspout seen off the coast of Cornwall amid turbulent weather conditionsA giant waterspout was spotted off the coast of Cornwall, near Looe, on Monday, October 19Falmouth Packet · 25 Oct, 19:00

In this story: Cornwall · Looe · Kent · Essex · TORRO · Simon Culling · Frinton-on-Sea · Gillian Lamb

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