EERIE: The cloud formation in Darwin Harbour that had people wondering if a waterspout was forming. Picture: BRAD FLEET
Weather gets weird with sprout of a spout
STAFF WRITERS
May 20th, 2009
A STRANGE cloud formation over Darwin Harbour baffled experts and laymen yesterday with many thinking the long, black cloud was a waterspout.
But weather bureau forecaster Greg Browning said it wasn't a spout because the cloud didn't make contact with the water.
"But it may be a waterspout embryo, with the protruding cloud lowering from the main cloud base as a precursor to the formation of a waterspout proper," he said.
Waterspouts - mini-tornadoes that suck up masses of water - are not uncommon on the harbour.
Some have dropped fish as far south as Larrimah.
More pictures of our spectacular NT weather
The embryonic waterspout was followed by a short bout of heavy rain in Darwin.It also rained on Monday evening.
About 18mm was recorded in Berry Springs and 2.8mm in the city.
Mr Browning said rain was not unusual at this time of the year.
The average May rainfall is 20mm, but 300mm has been recorded.
