Waterspout warning for coastal areas

The weather bureau has warned the public to beware of waterspouts that commonly strike during the summer after a freak funnel ripped the roofs off several homes in Chon Buri's old Laem Chabang fishing village yesterday.

"They usually last about 25 minutes and sometimes move onto the coast. We will see these whirlwinds several times this season," said Somchai Baimoung, deputy director-general of the Meteorological Department.

Waterspouts are caused by the southeast monsoon and will create havoc for people living along the seashore, he said.

The waterspout yesterday formed over the sea and moved onshore, damaging many houses. Residents were seen panicking and running for cover.

The department cannot predict where and when a waterspout will be spotted, he said.

People should observe the air temperature each day.

If the weather is extremely hot for many days and a black cloud develops above the sea that means a waterspout is coming, he added.