Video: Rare tornado rips through Venice

Footage has captured a tornado-like whirlwind ripping through the city of Venice - leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

The waterspout, which according to experts was not quite at the magnitude of a tornado, was clearly seen spiralling across the waters of the city and captured on mobile phones by stunned locals.

As the twister swept through several islands off Venice’s lagoon (Lido, Sant’Elena and Sant’Erasmo) a thick, dark column could be seen rising behind the historic Italian city's bell towers and cupolas.

[Related link: Flooded Britain in photos]

While Tuesday’s impromptu whirlwind left the city’s historic centre unscathed, the outlying islands were worst hit as hundreds of trees were uprooted and scenes of panic reported.

On the island of Sant'Elena kiosks, sailing ships and restaurants were also damaged, according to media reports.

No injuries were reported.