Tropical Cyclone Gombe rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane near the coast of Mozambique on Thursday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Gombe was located at latitude 15.4°S and longitude 40.4°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Mogincual, Mozambique. Gombe was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 953 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane just before it made landfall on the northeast coast of Mozambique on Thursday night. The center of Gombe made landfall on the coast between Mogincual and Lumbo. A well formed circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) developed at the center of Gombe’s circulation. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Gombe. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Gombe. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Gombe toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move inland over northern Mozambique. The center of Gombe could pass just to the south of Nampula on Friday. Tropical Cyclone Gombe will move around the northwestern part of the high pressure system on Saturday. Gombe will move back toward the southeast after it moves around the northwestern part of the high pressure system. Tropical Cyclone Gombe could move back over the Mozambique Channel by the end of the weekend.

Tropical Cyclone Gombe will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Mozambique. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. The wind and rain could cause major damage in parts of northern Mozambique. Gombe will weaken as it moves farther inland, but it will be capable of causing widespread electricity outages.