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'Tornado' spotted near Vancouver International Airport

Amid forecasts of thundershowers and with black clouds looming, you could have been forgiven for thinking a tornado was hitting Vancouver International Airport Thursday morning.

A weather report issued by Environment Canada at around 10 a.m. PT recorded 'tornado' conditions observed at YVR — but it turned out to be a waterspout instead.

A waterspout is an intense vortex that occurs over a body of water. They are usually small and short-lived and not as dangerous as tornadoes over land.

The confusion on Thursday came from the fact the code for 'waterspout' is the same as that for 'tornado' at the weather station at YVR, so it auto entered conditions as 'tornado.'

Environment Canada was quick to clarify the situation and reassure travellers all was well, tweeting with the hashtag #KeepCalmAndCarryOn.

Environment Canada issued a waterspout watch and strong wind warning for the Strait of Georgia Thursday, due to the low pressure system moving over the B.C. South Coast which is causing isolated heavy showers.

Waterspouts are possible over the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound, and Haro Strait, while winds were expected to reach 20 to 33 knots on the water on Thursday.

According to CBC News meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe, conditions right now over the South Coast are ideal for waterspouts, with the cold low pressure system sitting and spinning in the upper atmosphere.

However, the system will move south tomorrow, meaning warmer temperatures and sunnier skies Friday and Saturday.