Tropical Cyclone Berguitta sped past La Reunion on Thursday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Berguitta was located at latitude 22.8°S and longitude 54.3°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of La Reunion.  Berguitta was moving toward the west-southwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Berguitta was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it moved past La Reunion.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of circulation.  So, parts of La Reunion may have experienced winds to hurricane/typhoon force.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 230 miles (370 km) from the center.  Winds to tropical storm force would have occurred over all of La Reunion.  Berguitta also dropped locally heavy rain over La Reunion and flooding is a possibility.

Tropical Cyclone Berguitta will move into an environment that will become increasingly less favorable for a tropical cyclone as it moves away from La Reunion.  Berguitta is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 26°C, but it will move over colder water when it moves farther south.  An upper level trough west of Madagascar will produce northwesterly winds which will increase the vertical wind shear.  A combination of colder water and increased shear will slowly weaken Tropical Cyclone Berguitta.  Berguitta will likely make a transition to an extratropical cyclone during the weekend.

Berguitta is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge, which is steering the tropical cyclone toward the southwest.  It is expected to continue to move toward the southwest for another day or so.  At that time Berguitta will move around the western end of the ridge and it will move more toward the south.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Berguitta is expected move steadily away from La Reunion.  Berguitta is forecast to stay east of Madagascar.  Weather conditions on La Reunion should gradually improve as Tropical Cyclone Berguitta moves away.