- By some estimates, the vortex is around 8ft (2.4m) in diameter
- It has been created by some of the water being drained from the reservoir on the Oklahoma/Texas border
- This vortex is very intense because of record rainfall, say lake bosses
A powerful vortex has appeared in Lake Texoma - one of the largest reservoirs in the US.
Footage of the giant hole, which sprang up suddenly, shows the lake draining in front of a baffled onlooker.
According to the US Army, the vortex is 'eight feet in diameter and capable of sucking in a full-sized boat'.
Scroll down for video
Despite its strange appearance, there appears to be a simple explanation for the gaping hole.
Assistant lake manager BJ Parkey told Business Insider that the vortex had been created by draining some of the water from the reservoir.
'Just like in your house when you fill a bathtub full of water and [open] the drain, it will develop a vortex or whirlpool,' he said.
The water flow creates a cyclone shape, rather like a tornado, with a wider opening at the top tapering off to a narrow funnel.
Assistant lake manager BJ Parkey told Business Insider that the vortex had been created by draining some of the water from the reservoir.
'Just like in your house when you fill a bathtub full of water and [open] the drain, it will develop a vortex or whirlpool,' he said.
The water flow creates a cyclone shape, rather like a tornado, with a wider opening at the top tapering off to a narrow funnel.