Salerno witnesses up to 20 waterspouts in a day, with three making landfall, Italy

Up to 20 waterspouts formed off the coast of Salerno in Italy’s Campania Region on November 21, 2023, with at least three making a spectacular landfall. There were no reports of significant damage or casualties from this event.

On November 21, 2023, Salerno, Italy’s Campania Region, experienced an extraordinary natural event as up to 20 waterspouts formed off its coast, with at least three making landfall.

Waterspouts, akin to tornadoes over water, are typically formed by warm water temperatures and cooler air aloft. Despite their striking appearance, these waterspouts caused no significant damage or casualties, with local authorities closely monitoring the situation.

The occurrence follows an extremely hot summer and an unusually warm autumn in southern Europe. As December nears, a sharp drop in temperatures is anticipated, marking the onset of meteorological winter. This shift is expected to bring more typical winter weather to the region, contrasting the previously warm conditions.

Featured image credit: wetteronline (stillshot)