Tropical Cyclone Eliakim strengthened east of Madagascar on Thursday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eliakim was located at latitude 15.3°N and longitude 52.6°E which put it about 140 miles (225 km) east of Ambohitralanana, Madagascar.  Eliakim was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (96 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Cyclone Eliakim became better organized on Thursday morning.  A partial eyewall surrounded the northern and eastern sides of the center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Eliakim.  Storms near the core were generating well developed upper level divergence which was pumping mass away in all directions from the tropical cyclone.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eliakim will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 to 24 hours.  Eliakim will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  It is under an upper level ridge and the upper level winds are weak.  So, there is little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Eliakim will continue to intensify until it reaches the coast of Madagascar in a day or so.  Eliakim is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Eliakim is moving around the western portion of a subtropical ridge which is steering the tropical cyclone toward the west-southwest.  A general motion toward the west-southwest is expected to continue for another 24 to 36 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Eliakim could be near the coast of Madagascar south of Ambohitralanana in 18 to 24 hours.  Eliakim will bring gusty winds and it will drop locally heavy rain over Madagascar.  The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some areas.