GEORGETOWN - A viral video clip capturing a tornado sighting in Penang has been making waves across social media platforms.
The video, recorded by several motorists crossing the Penang Bridge, shows an incident that occurred in 2017 following heavy rainfall in various areas of Penang, including Perai and Butterworth.
Checks found that the video of this phenomenon is being circulated again, with some mistakenly claiming it to be a recent event in Penang.
This small tornado is commonly referred to as a waterspout or 'belalai air'.
It is formed as a result of thunderstorm activity within low-lying clouds.
There are two types of waterspouts commonly observed, namely tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.
Both types require high humidity and warm water temperature compared to the surrounding air.
Waterspouts typically occur along coastal areas and have a short duration.