A spectacular waterspout was spotted over the Mediterranean near Santa Margherita Ligure in Liguria, Italy, on September 10, creating a dramatic scene as a towering funnel appeared beneath stormy skies. Video captured from a boat shows the rotating column stretching from the cloud base toward the sea, producing a striking display of nature’s power. The sighting came as unstable weather was affecting parts of Liguria, with forecasters warning of thunderstorms and potentially intense rainfall across the region.

The waterspout appeared near one of Italy’s most scenic coastal areas, not far from Portofino, turning an already turbulent seascape into an extraordinary weather spectacle. Waterspouts are rotating columns associated with convective clouds that form over water, and they can vary considerably in strength and duration. While many are relatively short-lived, their powerful winds and rapidly changing conditions can pose a serious hazard to boats caught nearby. The dramatic footage serves as a reminder that seemingly calm Mediterranean waters can change quickly when strong storms develop.

The timing of the sighting was particularly notable because Liguria was experiencing a period of unsettled weather. Regional meteorological authorities had forecast strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, powerful wind gusts and locally intense weather for September 10, with the greatest instability expected over parts of central and eastern Liguria. The municipality of Santa Margherita Ligure had also imposed a precautionary temporary swimming ban at Ghiaia Beach after hydrometeorological conditions were identified as a potential risk to water quality.

The spectacular formation also highlights why severe weather over the Mediterranean can be particularly dangerous for people at sea. A waterspout may appear suddenly, and its presence can signal powerful thunderstorms and rapidly shifting winds in the surrounding area. Anyone navigating near such a formation would need to maintain a safe distance and closely monitor changing weather conditions rather than approaching for a closer view.

For residents, visitors and boaters along the Ligurian coast, the sight of the enormous funnel was both breathtaking and a warning about the power of the storm system moving through the area. The image of a rotating column rising dramatically from the sea near Santa Margherita Ligure is likely to become one of the most striking weather scenes from the region’s September storms. As unsettled conditions continue to develop and move across the Mediterranean, weather officials continue to urge caution whenever thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds threaten coastal areas.