A massive waterspout formed off the coast of a popular surfing spot in the Philippines.

Footage shows the ominous grey rain cloud covering the sky in Luna, La Union province on May 30.

The cloud then evolved into a funnel-shaped tip that touched the water below as locals watched the scene from the beach.

Tourist John Morden said: ‘We were about to leave when it happened. It was the first time I saw one.'

Waterspout tornadoes form when wind merges from opposite directions near the water's surface, creating a small area of spin. Warm air at the surface causes the spinning air to rotate faster and it starts to rise – picking up water at the same time and forming a cloud.

Sometimes the air spins so fast that it stretches and a funnel appears from the water to the thunderstorm cloud above.

Waterspouts are generally not dangerous but they can be a risk for aircraft flying through the area and for coral reefs and marine life in the water immediately below. Sailors should also try to avoid waterspouts – as the consequences of floating into one could be disastrous.

They very rarely damage buildings as they dissipate when they reach land. However, they are dangerous of boats caught in their path or aircraft that fly through them.