Tropical Cyclone Eleanor moved southeast of Mauritius on Thursday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor was located at latitude 21.7°S and longitude 58.4°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Eleanor was moving toward the south-southeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 992 mb.

Bands in the western part of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor produced gusty winds and rain showers in Mauritius on Thursday. A weather station at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (FIMP) in Port St. Louis reported a sustained wind speed of 26 m.p.h. (43 km/h) and a wind gust of 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Eleanor was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern and southern parts of Eleanor’s circulation. Bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level trough south of Madagascar produced northwesterly winds that blew toward the top of Eleanor’s circulation. Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear caused the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Eleanor’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Eleanor will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level trough south of Madagascar will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Cyclone Eleanor could strengthen a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Eleanor toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will gradually move farther to the south-southeast of Mauritius.