Huge Whirlwind Appears Off Japan's Northern Coast

YAMAGATA, Oct 02 (News On Japan) - A massive tornado-like phenomenon was observed late in the morning of October 2nd off the coast of Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture’s Shonai region, with thick swirling clouds rising high into the sky as seawater was drawn upward.

The unusual event occurred shortly after 11 a.m. offshore from Tsuruoka City. A viewer captured video footage showing a towering, funnel-shaped cloud reaching toward the heavens while spray from the sea below formed a mist-like appearance. The footage revealed an exceptionally thick and powerful vortex connecting the ocean surface to the sky.

According to meteorological explanations, cold air aloft had moved into the region around that time, creating strong convection. Warm air from the surface rose rapidly, forming cumulonimbus clouds, which in turn triggered the tornado-like phenomenon.

Experts note that during spring and autumn, when the temperature difference between the upper atmosphere and the surface widens, such phenomena are more likely to occur.

Source: TBS

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