A natural phenomenon more common for America, a tornado, has hit the South of France shocking locals and holidaymakers on the Côte d'Azur, the Mediterranean coastline.

As thousands in Central Europe are struggling to cope with devastating floods which have already claimed the lives of at least 21 people, a tornado ripped through the French Riviera on Sunday morning. 

The violently rotating column of air and water formed off the coast not far from popular resort towns of Cannes and Nice. The phenomenon was observed from the Cagnes-sur-Mer commune in southeastern France, rising off to Villeneuve-Loubet and Antibes, reports Nicematin.com. 

So far, no damage or injury has been reported.

The incident is being widely discussed on social networking services where users – some of them freaked out others rather thrilled - share videos and photos of the “tornado.” 

“OMG there was a mini tornado in my town today. In Nice!” tweeted user nicknamed Sachamallow. 

“There's been a tornado in Cannes. I bet the end of the world is approaching! we're all gonna die you, will see,” noted @Amaandarine.

Watch the video.

• A Permanent Economic Emergency