Tornado or waterspout? SA Weather Service assesses Ballito video (WATCH)
The recent tornado in Tongaat has heightened awareness and interest in unusual weather events across the region.
Ballito reader Hendrik Fourie sent The North Coast Courier a video of what he believed was a tornado that he filmed off the Ballito coastline on Saturday.
The tornado which swept through Tongaat on June 3, leaving devastation in its wake, has made the occurance of this weather phenomenon of particular interest.
We sent the video to Wisani Maluleke of the SA Weather Service for assessment.
“I have reviewed the video and compared it with our satellite and radar images of the ocean around Ballito.
“There were thunderstorms over the ocean on Saturday morning. Closely examining the images and comparing them with the satellite images, the conclusion is that it was a waterspout,” Maluleke said.
“Waterspouts forming over bodies of water can be associated with thunderstorms or cumulus clouds. Severe thunderstorms can produce waterspouts as dangerous as land tornadoes. They are a common occurrence in our ocean and come in two types: tornadic and fair weather. Tornadic waterspouts, associated with severe thunderstorms, can produce strong winds, high seas and dangerous lightning.
“They can be dangerous if they move from the ocean and hit land, though this is rare. There’s nothing to worry about at this point,” Maluleke said.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
