A large waterspout formed terrifying close to a beach in the Philippines.

The destructive weather phenomenon held traffic as scared and curious motorists pulled over while the giant formation made its way towards the shore in Cebu province on September 9.

It was surrounded by boats and structures but fortunately did not hit anything on its path before it dissolved almost ten minutes later.

Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Nagiel Banana said there were no reported injured or damages following the incident.

He said: ‘We didn't receive reports about residents hurt or damages in the area. We also have officers that surveyed the place, but all is fine.'

However, several homes were submerged in flood as heavy rains pounded most of the region after the

Officer Nagiel added: ‘There was some flooding but not as severe as the other provinces. We are an island. The city has no mountains and rivers, so the flood usually subsides immediately.'

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 the distinctive elephant-funnel shape.

As warm air rises, the cooler air moves in below and rises. 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 can risk aircraft flying through the area and coral reefs and marine life in the water immediately below. Sailors should also try to avoid waterspouts as the power of the wind can cause damage.

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.