Tropical Cyclone Filipo Moves Across Eastern Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Filipo moved across eastern Mozambique on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo was located at latitude 25.0°S and longitude 33.8°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Inhambane, Mozambique. Filipo was moving toward the south-southwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 1002 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo continued to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain as it moved over eastern Mozambique on Tuesday. There were reports of damage in Vilankulo. Although Tropical Cyclone Filipo weakened as it moved across eastern Mozambique, it continued to exhibit a well organized circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Filipo’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Filipo. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the western side of Filipo’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Filipo toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move back over the Southwest Indian Ocean in a few hours. Filipo will continue to cause strong winds and to drop locally heavy rain until it moves away from Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Filipo will move into an environment favorable for intensification when it moves back over the Southwest Indian Ocean. Filipo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge west of Madagascar. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the upper level ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Filipo is likely to intensify after the center moves back over the Southwest Indian Ocean. Filipo could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 36 hours.