Category Archives: Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Megan Develops Over Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Cyclone Megan developed over the Gulf of Carpentaria early on Saturday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 137.6°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) north-northeast of Borroloola, Australia. Megan was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island, Australia. A Watch was in effect for Mornington Island.

A low pressure system over the Gulf of Carpentaria strengthened early on Saturday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Megan. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Megan was well organized. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Megan’s circulation. An eye appeared to be forming at the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan. Storms near the center of Megan generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move through and environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Megan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Carpentaria. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Megan will intensify during the next 24 hours. Megan is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon. Tropical Cyclone Megan could intensify rapidly at times.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move around the northern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Megan toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Megan will approach the coast of the Northern Territory near Port McArthur in 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island. The part of the coast near Port McArthur is likely to experience winds to hurricane/typhoon force. Heavy rain was already falling on parts of Groote Eylandt. Heavy rain will cause floods in some locations, A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of the Top End and Barkly in the Northern Territory. Tropical Cyclone Megan could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters along the coast.

Elsewhere, a Tropical Low was spinning over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 17.3°S and longitude 114.0°E which put it about 345 miles (555 km) north of Exmouth, Australia. The Tropical Low was moving toward the west at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo Moves Away from Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Filipo moved away from Mozambique on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo was located at latitude 28.9°S and longitude 36.6°E which put it about 245 miles (390 km) southeast of Maputo, Mozambique. Filipo was moving toward the southeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo started to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone as it moved away from Mozambique on Wednesday. An upper level trough over southern Africa produced strong northwesterly winds that blew toward the top of Filipo’s circulation. Those winds also caused strong vertical wind shear and the wind shear started the transition to an extratropical cyclone. Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southern part of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. Bands in the northern part of Filipo’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the western side of Filipo.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move through an environment unfavorable for a tropical cyclone during the next 36 hours. Filipo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C. However, the upper level trough over southern Africa will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The combination of strong vertical wind shear and cooler water will cause Tropical Cyclone Filipo to complete a transition to an extratropical cyclone during the next 36 hours.

The upper level trough over southern Africa will steer Tropical Cyclone Filipo toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Filipo will pass south of Madagascar in 24 hours. Filipo is likely to be an extratropical cyclone when it passes south of Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo Moves Across Eastern Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Filipo moved across eastern Mozambique on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo was located at latitude 25.0°S and longitude 33.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Inhambane, Mozambique. Filipo was moving toward the south-southwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo continued to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain as it moved over eastern Mozambique on Tuesday. There were reports of damage in Vilankulo. Although Tropical Cyclone Filipo weakened as it moved across eastern Mozambique, it continued to exhibit a well organized circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Filipo’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the western side of Filipo’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Filipo toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move back over the Southwest Indian Ocean in a few hours. Filipo will continue to cause strong winds and to drop locally heavy rain until it moves away from Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves back over the Southwest Indian Ocean. Filipo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge west of Madagascar. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Filipo is likely to intensify after the center moves back over the Southwest Indian Ocean. Filipo could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo Brings Wind and Rain to Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Filipo brought wind and rain to Mozambique on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo was located at latitude 21.1°S and longitude 35.5°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Machanga, Mozambique. Filipo was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo strengthened to near the threshold for a hurricane/typhoon as it approached the coast of Mozambique on Monday night. A small circular eye appeared intermittently on microwave satellite images of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) in the southern half of Filipo’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (80 km) in the northern half of Tropical Cyclone Filipo.

Bands in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Filipo were bringing wind and rain to parts of eastern Mozambique on Monday night. The strongest winds and heaviest rain were occurring along the portion of the coast from Divinhe to Vilankulo. Heavy rain was falling near Machanga, Mambone and Macovane. A storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) was possible along the coast from Divinhe to Vilankulo.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Filipo toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move inland near Machanga and Mambone during the next few hours. The center of Filipo’s circulation will pass west of Inhambane and Maputo. Tropical Cyclone Filipo will weaken gradually when it moves inland. However, Filipo will continue to cause strong winds and to drop locally heavy rain over eastern Mozambique. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo Strengthens Near Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Filipo strengthened as it near the coast of Mozambique on Monday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo was located at latitude 20.4°S and longitude 37.0°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Beira, Mozambique. Filipo was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo strengthened over the Mozambique Channel as it approached the coast of Mozambique on Monday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Filipo’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Filipo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Filipo will intensify during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Filipo toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Filipo will approach the coast of Mozambique in 12 hours. The center of Filipo’s circulation is likely to make landfall between Divinhe and Vilankulo. Tropical Cyclone Filipo will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Mozambique. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Filipo could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo Forms Over Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Filipo formed over the Mozambique Channel on Sunday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo was located at latitude 19.9°S and longitude 38.2°E which put it about 235 miles (380 km) east of Beira, Mozambique. Filipo was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A low pressure system strengthened over the Mozambique Channel on Sunday and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Filipo. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Filipo exhibited more organization on Sunday. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern part of Filipo’s circulation. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern and southern sides of the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Bands in the western part of Filipo’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. The winds in the western side of Filipo were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Filipo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the upper level ridge. Tropical Cyclone Filipo will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Filipo toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Filipo will approach the coast of Mozambique in 24 hours The center of Filipo’s circulation is likely to make landfall between Beira and Inhambane. Tropical Cyclone Filipo will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Mozambique. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Filipo could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln Drops Rain on Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln dropped rain on parts of Western Australia on Saturday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 22.8°S and longitude 113.3°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) west of Learmonth, Australia. Lincoln was moving toward the south at 14 m.p.h. (22km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln weakened as it approached the coast of Western Australia on Saturday. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia produced strong northwesterly winds that blew across the top of Lincoln’s circulation. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Lincoln to be asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Lincoln’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Lincoln toward the south-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move farther inland near the coast of Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will weaken while it moves inland over Western Australia. Lincoln will drop heavy rain over parts of Western Australia as it move farther inland. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the Pilbara Coast and the Gascoyne Coast river catchments. A Flood Watch is also in effect for the Central West District river catchments.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln Moves Toward Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln moved toward the coast of Western Australia on Friday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 20.0°S and longitude 113.3°E which put it about 200 miles (320 km) north of Exmouth, Australia. Lincoln was moving toward the south-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the coast of Western Australia from Giralia to Cape Cuvier. The Warning included Exmouth, Ningaloo, and Coral Bay.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln maintained its intensity on Friday, but the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring mainly in bands in the western half of Lincoln’s circulation. Bands in the eastern half of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Lincoln’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lincoln will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, an upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lincoln’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Cyclone Lincoln could maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough west of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Lincoln toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will approach the coast of Western Australia between Exmouth and Cape Cuvier in 24 hours. Lincoln will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Western Australia. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor Weakens South of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor weakened south of Mauritius on Friday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor was located at latitude 23.9°S and longitude 58.4°E which put it about 265 miles (430 km) south-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Eleanor was moving toward the south at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

An upper level trough southeast of Madagascar produced strong northwesterly winds that blew across the top of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear. The strong upper level winds also blew the upper part pf Eleanor’s circulation to the southeast of the circulation in the lower levels of the atmosphere. Bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. A few thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southeastern periphery of Eleanor’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Eleanor will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. However, the upper level trough south of Madagascar will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Eleanor to continue to weaken during the next 36 hours.

Since the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Eleanor exists in the lower levels of the atmosphere, it will be steered by winds in those levels. Eleanor will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Eleanor toward the west. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move south of Mauritius and La Reunion during the next 36 hours.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Lincoln continued to spin near the coast of Western Australia. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 19.3°S and longitude 113.5°E which put it about 245 miles (395 km) north of Exmouth, Australia. Lincoln was moving toward the southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb. A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Onslow to Wooramel Roadhouse, Australia. The Warning included Exmouth and Carnarvon.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln Prompts Warning for Western Australia

The potential risk posed by Tropical Cyclone Lincoln prompted the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Warning for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Thursday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 117.7°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia. Lincoln was moving toward the southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Mardie to Ningaloo, Australia. The Warning included Exmouth and Onslow. A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ningaloo to Wooramel Roadhouse, Australia. The Watch included Carnarvon.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was strengthening gradually as it moved over the South Indian Ocean near Western Australia on Thursday. Even though Lincoln was strengthening, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. Bands in the southern and eastern parts of Lincoln’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level ridge over Australia was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Lincoln’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lincoln will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level ridge over Australia will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eleanor is likely to strengthen gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Lincoln toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. Lincoln will move more toward the south when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system on Friday. Tropical Cyclone Lincoln could approach the coast of Western Australia between Mardie and Caranarvon in 36 hours.