GEORGE TOWN: Several pictures of waterspouts hitting the North Channel and the coast of Butterworth have gone viral, causing alarm among netizens and Penangites.
Several pictures sighted show the spouts moving across the channel at about 5pm.
Some residents have also spotted the spouts in Butterworth. However, no damage has been reported.
As of 6pm, weather forecasting service weather.com recorded 10km/h winds in the area, coupled with light thunderstorms and rain.
A Penang Meteorological Department forecasting officer declined to comment on the phenomenon.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) website, a waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist.
NOAA advises the public to avoid them by moving at a 90-degree angle to its apparent movement.
"Never move closer to investigate a waterspout. Some can be just as dangerous as tornadoes," stated its website.