Tropical Cyclone Anggrek strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean west of Cocos Islands on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 12.0°S and longitude 92.5°E which put it about 290 miles (465 km) west of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Saturday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of Anggrek’s circulation. However, the distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western and northern parts of Anggrek’s circulation. Bands in the eastern and southern parts of Anggrek consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Anggrek.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anggrek will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Anggrek’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification but the shear might not be enough to prevent strengthening. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek could strengthen a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 24 hours. Anggrek is likely to meander over South Indian Ocean west of Cocos Islands during the next day or so. A high pressure system west of Australia is likely to steer Anggrek toward the southwest early next week. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will eventually move farther west of Cocos Islands.