Tornado hits Johor?
T K Letchumy Tamboo
December 18, 2013 22:28 MYT
December 18, 2013 22:28 MYT
A tornado-like phenomenon was reportedly seen around Johor and Singapore, Wednesday.
The news of the tornado-like phenomenon spread like wildfire in the social media sites since Wednesday evening.
Those who saw the phenomenon shared pictures and videos showing the incident.
The incident was also recorded by a Johor citizen, Azman Badaruddin.
However, the National Weather Center under the Malaysian Meteorological Department, denied that the phenomenon was a tornado.
The department’s deputy director, Amirzudi Hashim, said the phenomenon is a water spout incident.
The department’s website described water spout as an air vortex which forms over surface of water and frequently occurs in the tropics.
"This phenomenon is very common in Malaysia. It usually occurs on water surface and is caused by large cumulous cloud, "he told Astro AWANI.
Amirzudi also explained that a water spout will not reach land as it requires high moisture levels. It usually starts and ends in water,” he said.
However, Amirzudi cautioned that water spouts could be dangerous.
“I would like to advise fishermen and anyone else near the area of the incident to not get close to the water spouts,” he said.