The spout was reported off the West Coast. (File photo) Photo: 123rf.com
West Coast residents may face more waterspouts after one made landfall this afternoon.
A waterspout hit Awatuna shortly after 12pm with reports of trees downed and some property damage.
MetService forecaster Tuporo Marsters said the waterspout was part of active shower clouds that popped up over the sea ahead of a front moving up the West Coast.
"A little bit of convergence in upwards motion sort of made those clouds a bit more convective.
"There was enough to get some downdraft and entail a little bit of spin similar to what you get with a tornado."
He said another front was moving up the West Coast and it could bring more waterspouts and thunderstorms to the area.
That front is expected to clear the South Island Sunday night and move onto the North Island.