Instagram user @tlcrodeostar posted this picture of a funnel cloud spotted over Richmond Friday, a rare occurence in Metro Vancouver according to Environment Canada.
A waterspout was spotted in open water just off the coast of the Vancouver Westside earlier this morning.
According to Environment Canada, the unusual weather occurrence, paired with a brief period of torrential rain, happened at approximately 10 a.m.
The federal agency has issued a marine-based waterspout watch warning for the South Coast due to a potent low pressure system. The notice says waterspouts are possible today over the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound and Haro Strait. The marine-based warning is in effect until 5 p.m. today.
For the Metro Vancouver region, there is a risk of thunderstorm and showers later in the day.
When tornadoes are over water, they are called a waterspout. Tornadoes occur during atmospheric instability, forming as a rotating column of air that extends between a cloud, usually a cumulonimbus.
A spokesperson with Vancouver International Airport confirmed there is currently no cause for concern and that there was no impact to local air traffic.
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