Monthly Archives: January 2021

Tropical Cyclone Bina Develops Northwest of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Bina developed northwest of Fiji on Sunday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bina was located at latitude 14.0°S and longitude 175.7°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) northwest of Labasa, Fiji. Bina was moving toward the southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 994 mb.

As Tropical Cyclone Ana was moving away from Fiji, Tropical Cyclone Bina developed northwest of that nation. A low pressure system northwest of Fiji strengthened on Sunday and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Bina. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Bina. Those storms generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Bina was small. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Bina.

Tropical Cyclone Bina will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. An upper level trough east of Australia will produce northwesterly winds which blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Bina will likely maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Cyclone Bina toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Bina could reach Vanua Levu within 18 hours. Tropical Cyclone Bina will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Fiji during the next 36 hours. The stormy conditions will make efforts on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu to recover from Tropical Cyclone Ana more difficult. Heavy rain could make floods caused by Ana to become worse.

Elsewhere over the Southwest Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Ana was moving away from Fiji and Tropical Cyclone Lucas was strengthening over the Coral Sea. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana was located at latitude 19.9°S and longitude 179.7°E which put it about 105 miles (17 km) south of Suva, Fiji. Ana was moving toward the south-southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 978 mb.

At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lucas was located at latitude 13.2°S and longitude 156.0°E which put it about 870 miles (1405 km) west-northwest of New Caledonia. Lucas was moving toward the east at 17 m.p.h. (28 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. Tropical Cyclone Lucas is forecast to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon. It could affect New Caledonia and Vanuatu in a few days.

Tropical Cyclone Ana Brings Wind and Rain to Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Ana brought wind and rain to Fiji on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 178.3°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) north-northwest of Suva, Fiji. Ana was moving toward the southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.

Tropical Cyclone Ana made landfall on the north coast of Viti Levu near Rakiraki on Saturday afternoon. Ana had strengthened to nearly the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon by the time it made landfall. Radar images from the Fiji Meteorological Service indicated that an eye was beginning to form at the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana before it made landfall. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the forming eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Ana. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Ana was producing winds to tropical storm force on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Heavy rain was also falling on those islands and flash floods could occur. Gusty winds and heavy rain will spread over Kadavu on Sunday.

An upper level trough east of Australia will produce northwesterly winds which will steer Tropical Cyclone Ana toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On it anticipated track the center of Ana will cross eastern Viti Levu during the next 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone Ana will pass near Kadavu on Sunday. Ana is expected to pass west of Tonga early next week.

Tropical Cyclone Ana Forms Northwest of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Ana formed northwest of Fiji on Friday afternoon. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana was located at latitude 15.3°S and longitude 175.4°E which put it about 215 miles (345 km) northwest of Nadi, Fiji. Ana was moving toward the east at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 992 mb.

A low pressure system northwest of Fiji strengthened on Friday afternoon and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Ana. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Ana. Thunderstorms also formed in bands in the eastern half of the tropical cyclone. Bands in the western side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence which pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Ana will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Ana will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the eastern end of an upper level ridge that is oriented from west to east. The ridge will produce southerly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification at times. Tropical Cyclone Ana is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours, but the wind shear could limit strengthening.

Tropical Cyclone Ana will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean. The high will steer Ana toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Ana could reach the northern coast of Vita Levu within 36 hours. Ana will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the Yasawa Group of islands first and then it will bring stormy conditions to Vita Levu and Vanua Levu. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Low Forms over Gulf of Carpentaria

A Tropical Low formed over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Monday afternoon. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 15.4°S and longitude 139.5°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) west of Kowanyama, Australia. It was moving toward the east at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

Watches were issued for the portion of the coast of Queensland from Aurukun to Karumba and for Mornington Island.

Thunderstorms formed near the center of a low pressure system over the southeastern Gulf of Carpentaria on Monday afternoon and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as a Tropical Low. The circulation around the Tropical Low was still organizing. Thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of circulation. More thunderstorms were also forming in bands revolving around the center of the Tropical Low. Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the Tropical Low.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The Tropical Low will move over water in the Gulf of Carpentaria where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C. It will move under the center of an upper level ridge. The winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. The Tropical Low will intensify during the next 24 hours and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a tropical storm.

The Tropical Low will move south of a high pressure system centered north of Australia during the next 24 hours. The high will steer the Tropical Low toward the east. On its anticipated track the Tropical Low could approach the southwest coast of Queensland in about 24 hours. The steering winds could weaken in a day or so and the Tropical Low could stall near the coast. Even if the center of the Tropical Low does not make landfall, bands in the eastern half of the circulation could drop heavy rain over parts of northern Queensland. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Makes Landfall in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Eloise made landfall on the coast of Mozambique on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 20.4°S and longitude 34.6°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) south-southwest of Beira, Mozambique. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise made landfall on the coast of Mozambique just to the south of Beira on Friday night. Eloise continued to intensify until the center made landfall. A small circular eye was evident on satellite images when Tropical Cyclone Eloise approached the coast. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of E;poise. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

It is likely that the northern eyewall of Tropical Cyclone Eloise produced winds of near hurricane/typhoon force in Beira. Southerly winds blowing water toward the coast may have caused a storm surge of up to 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters). Eloise was continuing to produce gusty winds and heavy rain in the region around Beira. The tropical cyclone will weaken gradually as it moves inland over central Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean and southern Africa. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, northern South Africa and eastern Botswana. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Eloise intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Friday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 19.0°S and longitude 37.5°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) east-northeast of Beira, Mozambique. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 974 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near the coast of Mozambique on Friday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Eloise and an eye was visible on satellite images. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye want the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Eloise will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the northern portion of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean and southern Africa. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise is likely to get stronger today.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next two days. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise will make landfall on the coast of Mozambique near Beira in less than 12 hours. Eloise will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will bring winds to hurricane/typhoon force to the area around Beira, Mozambique. Eloise will weaken after it moves inland, but it will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, southern Botswana, and northern South Africa. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Strengthens over Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Eloise strengthened over the Mozambique Channel on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 18.0°S and longitude 40.1°E which put it about 375 miles (605 km) east-northeast of Beira, Mozambique. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 989 mb.

After weakening on Wednesday while it passed over northern Madagascar, the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Eloise strengthened on Thursday. There was still a broad center of circulation in the middle of Eloise. However, a few more thunderstorms were forming inside the broad center. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center. The most recent satellite images indicated that the inner end of a rainband could be wrapping more tightly around the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Eloise will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the northern portion 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 some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise will intensify during the next 24 hours and it is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next two days. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise could approach the coast of Mozambique near Beira in less than 36 hours. Eloise is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Crosses Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Eloise crossed Madagascar on Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 15.9°S and longitude 44.3°E which put it about 140 miles (230 km) north of Maintirano, Madagascar. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 19 m.p.h. (31 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 995 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise moved quickly across northern Madagascar on Wednesday. Eloise was emerging over the Mozambique Channel by late Wednesday. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Eloise was relatively intact after its passage over Madagascar. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Eloise. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Eloise will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the northern portion 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 some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise will intensify during the next 36 hours and it is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise could approach the coast of Mozambique near Beira in about 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Makes Landfall in Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Eloise made landfall in Madagascar on Tuesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 15.4°S and longitude 49.6°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) south-southwest of Antalaha, Madagascar. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 989 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise made landfall on the coast of northeastern Madagascar near Antalaha on Tuesday as the equivalent of a strong tropical storm. Eloise strengthened prior to landfall. A ring of strong thunderstorms wrapped around the northern side of the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise and an eye was beginning to form at the center. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move north of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest during the next 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move across northern Madagascar. The center of Eloise will pass near Mampikony in about 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone Eloise could move over the Mozambique Channel near Maintirano in about 36 hours

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will weaken while it moves across Madagascar. Eloise will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of northern Madagascar. Flash floods could occur, especially in regions of steeper terrain. Tropical Cyclone Eloise could strengthen again when it moves over the Mozambique Channel later this week.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise nears Northern Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Eloise neared northern Madagascar on Monday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 14.3°S and longitude 52.0°E which put it about 125 miles (200 km) east of Antalaha, Madagascar. Eloise was moving toward the west at 23 m.p.h. (37 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 983 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise strengthened as it quickly neared northern Madagascar on Sunday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Eloise. More thunderstorms formed in bands revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The circulation became more symmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours before it reaches northern Madagascar. Eloise will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C. It will move under the northern portion of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise could intensify until it moves over Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise could make landfall on the northeastern coast of Madagascar near Antahala in a few hours. Eloise will produce gusty winds and heavy rain over northern Madagascar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Joshua moved far to the southeast of Diego Garcia. At 11:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Joshua was located at latitude 19.8°S and longitude 87.5°E which put it about 1335 miles (2150 km) southeast of Diego Garcia. Joshua was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 994 mb.