Stunning Waterspout “Tornado” Spotted in Tuas Captivates Singaporeans

SINGAPORE – A rare and dramatic natural phenomenon resembling a “tornado” amazed witnesses in Tuas on Monday (Oct 16). This powerful vortex, likely a waterspout, swirled across the area, astonishing onlookers as it reportedly lifted approximately 100 kilograms of debris and moved it 20 to 30 meters.

An eyewitness working in the Tuas Port area described seeing ominously low clouds around 9:05 a.m. before a whirlwind took shape on the ground, gathering dust into a tornado-like column. “In over 20 years of working here, I’ve seen small ‘tornadoes,’ but never anything of this size,” he told Channel 8 news. The vortex, which lasted about 15 minutes, showcased impressive strength, lifting large objects and sending nearby workers into retreat.

As it dissipated over the water, the waterspout was followed by strong winds and a brief heavy downpour in the area. Experts clarified that true tornadoes are extremely rare in Singapore due to its equatorial location, making this occurrence more likely a waterspout or landspout—types of vortices that form over water or land but are generally less intense than traditional tornadoes.

The event captivated locals and highlighted the surprising power of these rare atmospheric conditions in Singapore.