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'Spectacular' waterspout filmed tearing along the Italian coast | London Evening Standard

A colossal waterspout has been pictured tearing along the Italian coastline.

'Spectacular' waterspout filmed tearing along the Italian coast | London Evening Standard

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'Spectacular' waterspout filmed tearing along the Italian coast

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A colossal waterspout has been pictured tearing along the Italian coastline.

The weather phenomenon, which features an intense, whirling vortex, was spotted near the south-western city of Salerno.

It struck on Tuesday at about 3pm local time and was said to have disturbed harbour containers when it touched a pier.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Observers filmed clips and posted them to social media, where it was described as "exceptional" and "spectacular".

Waterspouts, which look similar to tornadoes, form when cool air hits warm water producing a strong upwards wind.

The rare phenomenon was filmed in the south-west city of Salerno Twitter/andreapisax

However they quickly collapse when they hit dry land.