This is the moment locals screamed as a huge waterspout tornado approached buildings.

Residents gathered to witness the massive swirling water vortex near Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on September 28.

Footage shows the whirlwind rapidly rotating with strong gusts and accumulated seawater, extending from cumulus clouds to the water.

Crowds can be heard yelling as they watch the spectacular phenomenon, recording it on their phones.

After two minutes, the vortex eventually dissipated on its own.

The Hong Kong Observatory reported that this was the first waterspout observed in Victoria Harbour since 1959.

There were no reports of damage or injuries following the incident.

Waterspout tornadoes come in two types. Tornadic waterspouts form from thunderstorms, similar to land-based tornadoes, while fair-weather waterspouts are smaller, less powerful, and do not require storms.

Both types develop due to a significant pressure difference between the water's surface and the air above, creating an updraft that can lead to a rotating waterspout.