The huge columns of water could be seen spiralling up from the sea near Avoca Beach about 9.45am.

Up to four huge waterspouts were filmed approaching the shore as heavy storms battered the area.

Bar attendant Rebecca Rodier, 34, was travelling to work at the Avoca Beach Hotel when she saw the twisters rising up.

"It was exciting," she said.

"I have seen them before, but not as big as that.

"I have lived on the water all my life and seen some waterspouts before, so I wasn’t really worried about it hitting the shore.

"It looked like it was a huge thing out at sea, like a tornado."

The natural phenomenon occurs when a rapidly rotating column of air below a cloud causes a pressure drop, which lowers the temperature and creates swirling droplets of condensation.

Experts say they rarely hit the shore, but when they do, they can cause serious damage to coastal areas.

Last June, a natural disaster zone was declared at Lennox Head after a waterspout twister tore through the town, wrecking properties and infrastructure. Read More