Strong winds observed in Tanza, Cavite called 'downburst,' says PAGASA

A group of people was left alarmed after observing what appeared to be a tornado in Tanza, Cavite, while riding inside a car.

According to Kuya Kim's report in "24 Oras" Wednesday, the group encountered thick dust and strong winds on the road. The phenomenon was captured on video by the car's dash camera.

"Totoo naman pong mabuhangin po talaga dun. Wala na talaga kaming makita sa daan, malakas po talaga 'yung hangin nun," said Kimberly Pedernal, a witness.

However, what they saw was not a tornado or "buhawi," nor was it an "ipo-ipo" or waterspout. A tornado is a violent spinning column of air that stretches from a thunderstorm to the ground. Meanwhile, an "ipo-ipo" or waterspout is a tornado that forms over water.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), what the group saw was a "downburst." Downbursts are powerful downward currents of air that begin from a thunderstorm and spread once they reach the ground.

"'Yung nangyari po dun sa malayo, meron pong napakalakas na thunderstorm nagbabagsak siya ng malakas na hangin or 'yung tinatawag natin na downburst. Pagdaan sa kanila ng hangin, nagkaroon siya ng parang buhawi," said PAGASA weather specialist Mary May Victoria Calimoso.

"Dumaan siya horizontally and tumama dun sa mga buhangin kaya ngayon parang nagkagulo 'yung hangin. Kapag may mga downburst tayo or microburst, minsan pwede na 'tong padapain 'yung bahay, lalo na 'pag mahina ang pagkakagawa."

What should one do during a downburst?

Kuya Kim advised that one should stay inside the house and stay away from doors and windows to avoid being hit by flying debris. One should also avoid driving during a downburst, so as not to risk losing control of the car due to the strong winds.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News