The tropical cyclone closest to land is Tropical Cyclone Chedza.  A cluster of thunderstorms meandering over the Mozambique Channel organized rapidly on Thursday and developed into Tropical Cyclone Chedza.  At 9:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Chedza was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 42.4°E which put it about 140 miles west-northwest of Belo Tsiribihina, Madagascar.  It was moving toward the east at 6 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. and there were gusts to 55 m.p.h.  The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

Chedza is over warm Sea Surface Temperatures and the upper level winds are relatively light.  Further intensification is likely until Chedza makes landfall on Friday.  It is expected to weaken as it crosses Madagascar.  Some re-intensification may be possible after the center emerges over the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.  Potential risks include locally heavy rainfall and flooding.

A near equatorial ridge is steering Chedza eastward.  It is expected to make landfall in 12 to 18 hours.  The ridge is expected to steer Chedza toward the east-southeast as it crosses Madagascar.