Arab Weather - This time, there was no earthquake or tremors, but a "sea dragon" or what is scientifically known as a "waterspout" or "hurricane", struck the village of Al-Bassa in the countryside of Latakia, for the second time within a week. According to what was reported by the Directorate of Ports in Latakia, the village witnessed a light sea dragon this morning, Saturday, which caused material damage, according to what was reported by local media.
This came a few days after another sea dragon struck the fish market in the southern Raml neighborhood of Latakia, resulting in two injuries and material damage to the place.
Sea dragon in the castles of Tartous this morning pic.twitter.com/k8D4I5SBcB
— Al-Alam Syria Channel (@ALALAMSYRIAA) September 1, 2024
A sea hurricane, or what is locally called a "sea dragon", hit the southern sand area in the city of #Lattakia on the Syrian coast pic.twitter.com/3i6YFQ4mxY
— Al Arabiya TV (@AlarabyTV) August 25, 2024
This phenomenon is unusual in August, as it is usually associated with strong air depressions, but the appearance of these dragons in the summer indicates a worrying rise in the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea, according to what was confirmed by specialized experts.
A waterspout, also known as a “sea dragon,” is a natural phenomenon similar to a tornado that occurs over bodies of water such as seas or oceans. A waterspout forms when warm, moist air rises from the surface of the water and meets cooler air above, creating a vertical vortex of air. This vortex pulls water from the surface with it, creating a visible column of water that extends from the surface of the water to the base of the clouds above it.
Waterspouts can be mild or severe, and can move toward shore, causing potential damage if they are strong enough. Although they are often less powerful than tornadoes that occur over land, waterspouts can pose a hazard to boats, small vessels, and coastal areas as they approach.
See also:
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