On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Hong Kong witnessed a rare and awe-inspiring weather event as a waterspout made an appearance over Victoria Harbour. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, this marked the first recorded occurrence of a waterspout in the harbour since records began in 1959. The event has left scientists and residents alike fascinated and cautious, highlighting the unpredictable nature of weather phenomena.
A waterspout is a rapidly rotating column of water, similar to a tornado over land. These phenomena are characterized by a funnel-like cloud that extends from the base of the thunderstorm to the surface of the water. Waterspouts can vary in intensity, and their speeds can reach up to 100 km/h (62 mph), posing hazards to boats, ships, and coastal structures.
The waterspout was observed at 12:30 local time, moving from east to west across the harbour. It began near the Laguna Verde Ocean residential estate in Hung Hom and then moved swiftly westward before dissipating after hitting a wall at the Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool. The event lasted only a few minutes, leaving onlookers with a rare glimpse of this meteorological wonder.
Former Observatory assistant director Leung Wing-mo emphasized the need for caution, citing an incident in Macau where a waterspout with winds of 100 km/h (62 mph) created hazardous conditions. The Hong Kong Observatory had previously warned of violent gusts due to an upper-air disturbance affecting the region, leading to showers and severe thunderstorms, particularly over the eastern parts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon East. A gust warning was issued at 13:10 LT, advising people outdoors to seek safe shelter.
Although the recent waterspout in Victoria Harbour is a rare occurrence, Hong Kong has experienced other waterspouts in recent months. In June and April of this year, waterspouts were recorded in different parts of the region. However, these events were not within Victoria Harbour, highlighting the uniqueness of the recent occurrence.
Waterspouts are relatively rare in Hong Kong, especially in urbanized areas like Victoria Harbour. The specific combination of factors required to generate a waterspout, including the presence of convective clouds and atmospheric instability, do not often align over Hong Kong's waters. While they can occur in coastal regions under certain meteorological conditions, the rarity of these events makes them a subject of interest for scientists and researchers.
Although waterspouts are less intense than tornadoes over land, they can still pose hazards to boats, ships, and coastal structures. The recent occurrence in Victoria Harbour serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring weather conditions and being prepared for unexpected events.
The first recorded waterspout in Victoria Harbour marks a significant event in Hong Kong's meteorological history. The rarity of this phenomenon highlights the complexity and unpredictability of weather conditions. As scientists and residents alike, we must remain vigilant and be prepared for unexpected events, while also continuing to study and understand the underlying causes of these phenomena.
