Monthly Archives: December 2020

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Makes Landfall in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall in Mozambique on Tuesday night. At 9:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 19.5°S and longitude 35.3°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Beira, Mozambique. Chalane was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 981 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall just to the north of Beira, Mozambique on Tuesday night. Chalane intensified until it made landfall. Tropical Cyclone Chalane was almost the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall. An elliptical eye was at the center of Chalane. The eye was surround by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Chalane.

Tropical Storm Chalane will move north of a high pressure system over southern Africa and the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move across central Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Chalane will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland. It will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Strengthens East of Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chalane strengthened east of Mozambique on Tuesday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 19.6°S and longitude 39.3°E which put it about 225 miles (365 km) east of Beira, Mozambique. Chalane was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 993 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Chalane was much more symmetrical and it exhibited better organization on Tuesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of circulation and satellite images indicated that an eye could be forming at the center of Chalane. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone. The circulation around Chalane was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chalane will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The winds near the axis of the ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Chalane will intensify today and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move north of a subtropical high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next two days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will make landfall near Beira, Mozambique in 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Chalane could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Mozambique. Chalane will bring strong winds to the portion of the coast near Beira. It could cause a storm surge at the coast of up to 7 feet (2 meters). Tropical Cyclone Chalane will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique and flash floods could occur.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Emerges over Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Chalane emerged over the Mozambique Channel on Monday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 20.1°S and longitude 43.3°E which put it about 270 miles (440 km) east-northeast of Europa Island. Chalane was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

After crossing central Madagascar during the weekend, Tropical Cyclone Chalane emerged over the Mozambique Channel on Monday. The circulation around Chalane remained relatively intact despite crossing mountains on Madagascar. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands north and east of the center of circulation. Bands south and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Chalane. The winds in the northern half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Chalane will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The winds near the axis of the ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Chalane will intensify and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move north of a subtropical high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next few days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will pass near Europa Island in 18 hours. Chalane could approach the central coast of Mozambique in 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Chalane could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Makes Landfall in Madgascaar

The center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall on the coast of Madagascar on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 49.2°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Toamasina, Madagascar. Chalane was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 996 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall on the coast of northeast Madagascar between Fenoarivo and Toamasina on Saturday. The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles from the center of the tropical cyclone. The heaviest rain was falling in bands in the western and southern parts of Chalane.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move west-southwest across central Madagascar during the next 24 hours. The center will pass a little north of Antananarivo. The mountains will disrupt the lower levels of the circulation and Chalane will weaken while it is over land. However, Tropical Cyclone Chalane will drop heavy rain over parts of central and northern Madagascar. The rain will be heaviest where winds push air up the slopes and flash floods could occur in regions of steep terrain.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move over the Mozambique Channel in a day or so. If the middle and upper parts of the circulation remain relatively intact, then Chalane could strengthen back into the equivalent of a tropical storm. Tropical Cyclone Chalane or the remnants of its circulation could approach Mozambique in 72 hours

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Swirls Toward Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Chalane swirled toward Madagascar on Friday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 16.2°S and longitude 53.3°E which put it about 240 miles (390 km) east of Mananara, Madagascar. Chalane was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 996 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Chalane exhibited more organization on Friday, but the it was still asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southern half of the circulation. Bands in the northern half of Chalane consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The strongest winds were occurring in the bands south of the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) on the south side of Tropical Cyclone Chalane. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 25 miles (40 km) on the northern side of Chalane.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chalane will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will move under the northern side of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they will inhibit intensification. However, the winds will not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Cyclone Chalane from intensifying during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move north of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will approach northern Madagascar in about 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Chalane will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northern Madagascar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Forms Northeast of La Reunion

Tropical Cyclone Chalane formed over the South Indian Ocean northeast of La Reunion on Thursday. At 7:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 15.4°S and longitude 58.2°E which put it about 410 miles (665 km) north-northeast of La Reunion. Chalane was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 996 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system northeast of La Reunion strengthened on Thursday and the system was designated at Tropical Cyclone Chalane. The circulation around Chalane was still organizing. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Chalane was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands southeast of the center of circulation. The strongest winds were occurring in those rainbands. Bands in other parts of Chalane consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms southeast of the center of circulation generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the south of the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Chalane will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce northerly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they will inhibit intensification during the next 12 hours. Chalane will move into an area where the upper level winds will be weaker on Friday and it could strengthen more.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move south of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will pass north of Mauritius and La Reunion. Chalane could approach northern Madagascar in about 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Chalane will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northern Madagascar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Krovanh Develops over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Krovanh developed over the South China Sea on Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Krovanh was located at latitude 9.7°N and longitude 113.9°E which put it about 515 miles (830 km) east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Krovanh was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Krovanh was very asymmetrical. A high pressure system over eastern Asia was contributing to a strong pressure gradient northwest of Krovanh. The pressure gradient between the high pressure system and Krovanh was producing strong northeasterly winds in the northwestern quadrant of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 300 miles (485 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Krovanh. However, winds in the southeastern quadrant of Krovanh were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Krovanh will move through an environment that is only marginally favorable for intensification. Krovanh will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C. So, there will be enough energy in the upper ocean to support intensification. However, the northeasterly winds on the northwestern side of Tropical Storm Krovanh will transport drier air into the circulation. The drier air will inhibit the development of thunderstorms. Krovanh will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce strong easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical storm. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, which will also inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Krovanh could intensify a little during the next 24 hours, but the dry air and wind shear are likely to cause it to weaken next week.

Tropical Storm Krovanh will move around the southern side of the high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high will steer Krovanh toward the west-southwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Krovanh could be near the southernmost part of Vietnam in about three days.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa Passes West of Tonga

Tropical Cyclone Tonga passed west of Tonga on Friday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Yasa was located at latitude 20.6°S and longitude 178.0°W which put it about 280 miles (305 km) west of Nuku’Alofa, Tonga. Yasa was moving toward the south at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 974 mb.

After making a direct hit on Vanua Levu, Tropical Cyclone Yasa moved over the Fiji islands in the Lau Group. There were reports of damage and casualties from Fiji. Tropical Cyclone Yasa weakened after it made landfall on Vanua Levu. The eye and eyewall were disrupted by passage over land. An upper level low centered north of New Zealand produced northerly winds which blew toward the top of Yasa’s circulation on Friday. Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear and the shear caused the tropical cyclone to weaken steadily on Friday.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Yasa exhibited less organization on Friday. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in a band in the southern half of the circulation. Bands in the northern half of Yasa consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Yasa was still large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa will move through an environment that is mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next several days. Yasa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C. However, the upper level low centered north of New Zealand will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The shear is likely to be strong enough to cause Tropical Cyclone Yasa to continue to weaken.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa will move around the eastern side of the upper level low. The low will steer Yasa toward the southwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Yasa will pass west of Tonga and it will remain north of New Zealand.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa Hits Fiji

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa hit Fiji early on Thursday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Yasa was located at latitude 16.8°S and longitude 179.2°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south of Naduri, Fiji. Yasa was moving toward the east-southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

The eye of Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji on Vanua Levu west of Naduri early on Thursday. Yasa was a large, powerful tropical cyclone when it hit Fiji. Tropical Cyclone Yasa was the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Yasa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Yasa was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 23.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 54.7. Yasa was capable of causing severe damage.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa brought destructive winds to Vanua Levu when the core of the circulation passed over that island. Severe wind damage was likely. Yasa was capable of causing a storm surge of up to 15 feet (5 meters) on the north coast of Vanua Levu. It was also dropping heavy rain and flash floods were likely. Bands in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Yasa caused strong winds and heavy rain over the eastern part of Viti Levu. Widespread power outages were likely.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa will move toward the southeast over the islands in the Lau Group later on Thursday. Yasa will weaken as it crosses Vanua Levu, but it will still be a strong tropical cyclone. Tropical Cyclone Yasa could cause serious wind damage and cause flash floods on many of the islands in the Lau Group.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa Strengthens to Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Yasa strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Yasa was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 174.5°E which put it about 285 miles (460 km) northwest of Nadi, Fiji. Yasa was moving toward the east at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 915 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa intensified to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale northwest of Fiji on Tuesday night. An eye with at diameter of 35 miles (55 km) was at the center of Yasa. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Yasa. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Yasa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Yasa was 35.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 54.3. Tropical Cyclone Yasa was capable of causing regional catastrophic damage.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa will move through an environment capable of sustaining an intense tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Yasa will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Yasa will remain an intense tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. If that happens, then an eyewall replacement cyclone could cause Yasa to start to weaken.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system near the Equator. The high will steer Yasa toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Yasa could reach Fiji in less than 36 hours. Yasa will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Fiji. The center of Tropical Cyclone Yasa could pass over Vanua Levu. Yasa could bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to the some of the most populated parts of Fiji. Tropical Cyclone Yasa could cause severe damage to Fiji.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, the center of Tropical Cyclone Zazu was moving away from of Niue. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zazu was located at latitude 21.7°S and longitude 169.6°W which put it about 130 miles (210 km) south of Niue. Zazu was moving toward the southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.