Waterspout spotted off Klaipėda coast

A striking waterspout formed off the coast of Klaipėda, Lithuania, near the city's pier, captivating onlookers. The phenomenon, observed for approximately 20 minutes, was captured by a local resident who shared the image with the news outlet.

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A waterspout was recorded at sea off the Klaipėda pier today. The waterspout spun for 20 minutes.

The image showed a man windsurfing on the Baltic Sea with the waterspout visible in the distance. The scene was photographed from a cafe located near the beach in Melnragė.

Meteorologist Gytis Valaika explained that such waterspouts are a common occurrence, particularly in the latter half of summer when the sea surface is warm and cooler air masses move in. He noted that these "water suction cups" often go unseen because they last only a few minutes.

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Such waterspouts are a completely normal phenomenon, but usually they form more often in the second half of summer, when the water surface is already warm enough, and a cooler air mass moves over it. Since such water suction cups exist for only a few minutes, many people don't see them at all. Or they see them, but don't photograph them.

Valaika reassured that waterspouts are generally not dangerous. He described them as highly localized events, undetectable by meteorological radar, and they quickly disappear if they move over land. The worst they might do is capsize small boats, splash water, or overturn light beach tents.

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Such a phenomenon is very localized and not visible from a meteorological radar. Such waterspouts are not very dangerous and disappear quickly once they reach land. The worst they can do is overturn small boats, splash water, and on the beach – raise dust and knock over light gazebos or similar.