Tag Archives: Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Candice Forms Near Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Candice formed over the Southwest Indian Ocean near Mauritius on Wednesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Candice was located at latitude 19.7°S and longitude 57.6°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) north of Port Louis, Mauritius. Candice was almost stationary. 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 993 mb.

A low pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean near Mauritius strengthened on Wednesday morning and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Candice. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and northern sides of the center of Candice’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Candice. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Candice will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Candice will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. The upper level winds are weak under the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Candice is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Candice will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will start to steer Candice toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Candice will move over Mauritius. Candice could bring a prolonged period of gusty winds and heavy rain to Mauritius. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek strengthened back to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 14.2°S and longitude 91.0°E which put it about 1350 miles (2180 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Anggrek was moving toward the southwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Moves Southeast of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Belal moved southeast of Mauritius on Tuesday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 23.2°S and longitude 60.2°E which put it about 275 miles (440 km) southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Belal was moving toward the east-southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal began a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Tuesday as it moved over the Southwest Indian Ocean southeast of Mauritius. An upper level trough southeast of Madagascar was producing northwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Belal’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear. The strong upper level winds were also tilting the upper part of Tropical Cyclone Belal to the southeast of the lower part of Belal’s circulation. The strong vertical wind shear also caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Belal to become asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Belal’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Belal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Belal.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C. The upper level trough southeast of Madagascar will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will cause Belal to continue to weaken gradually. The strong vertical wind shear will also cause Tropical Cyclone Belal to continue to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the east-southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Belal will pass south of Rodrigues on Wednesday.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek meandered northwest of Cocos Islands. At 7:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 9.5°S and longitude 93.9°E which put it about 285 miles (455 km) northwest of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the southeast at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb. A Watch was in effect for Cocos Islands.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Forms Northwest of Cocos Islands

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek formed over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Cocos Islands on Monday. At 7:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 9.4°S and longitude 93.8°E which put it about 285 miles (455 km) northwest of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the east-northeast at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Cocos Islands strengthened on Monday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Anggrek’s circulation. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Anggrek.

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

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the southern part of a near equatorial ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The ridge will steer Anggrek toward the east during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will meander slowly northwest of the Cocos Islands. A high pressure system west of Australia is likely to steer Anggrek toward the south later this week. A Watch has been issued for Cocos Islands.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Belal moved south of Mauritius. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 22.3°S and longitude 58.3°E which put it about 140 miles (230 km) south-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Belal was moving toward the southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to La Reunion

Tropical Cyclone Belal brought strong winds and heavy rain to La Reunion on Monday. A Red Alert was in effect for La Reunion. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 21.5°S and longitude 56.5°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of St. Denis, La Reunion. Belal was moving toward the southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal produced strong winds and dropped heavy rain in La Reunion on Monday. A weather station at Roland Garros Airport in St.Denis, La Reunion reported a sustained wind speed of 56 kt (64 m.p.h. or 104 km/h) and a wind gust of 76 kt (87 m.p.h. or 141 km/h). A weather station at Plaines Des Palmistes measured 698.8 mm (27.51 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours. A weather station at Bellecombe-Jacob measured 667.4 mm (26.27 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours. The weather station at Roland Garros Airport reported 189.9 mm (7.47 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours.

There were also reports of heavy rain and flooding in Mauritius. A weather station at Quatre Bornes, Mauritius reported 176.9 mm (6.96 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Belal was 12.7. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 25.2. Tropical Cyclone Belal was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dolly when Dolly hit south Texas in 2008.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Belal’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear is likely to cause Tropical Cyclone Belal to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Belal will move slowly away from La Reunion during the next 24 hours. The center of Belal’s circulation will be south of Mauritius later today.

The strong winds will gradually weaken over La Reunion as Tropical Cyclone Belal moves farther away. Heavy rain will also diminish. Gust winds and locally heavy rain will continue to affect Mauritius during the next 24 hours. Prolonged heavy rain will cause additional flooding in Mauritius.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Nears La Reunion

Tropical Cyclone Belal neared La Reunion on Sunday night. A Violet Alert was in effect for La Reunion. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 20.7°S and longitude 54.8°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west of St. Denis, La Reunion. Belal was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 968 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal intensified to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it approached La Reunion on Sunday. A small eye was present at the center of Belal’s circulation on some microwave satellite images. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Belal. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Belal was relatively small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Belal was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 25.6. Tropical Cyclone Belal was capable of causing localized serious damage.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Belal’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear could prevent Tropical Cyclone Belal from intensifying on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal will reach La Reunion during the next few hours. Tropical Cyclone Belal will bring strong winds and heavy rain to La Reunion. The core of Belal’s circulation with the strongest winds could pass directly over La Reunion. The strong winds will be capable of causing serious damage. Heavy rain will likely cause flash floods in some location. Belal could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast of La Reunion. Bands in the northern part of Tropical Cyclone Belal will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Mauritius.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Strengthens to Equivalent of a Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Belal strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Southwest Indian Ocean on Saturday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 18.4°S and longitude 53.5°E which put it about 200 miles (325 km) northwest of St. Denis, la Reunion. Belal was moving toward the southwest 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 980 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Southwest Indian Ocean northwest of la Reunion on Saturday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern and eastern sides of the center Belal’s circulation. An eye appeared to be forming at the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Tropical Cyclone Belal. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Belal was more symmetrical on Saturday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Belal was 11.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 21.6.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Belal will continue to intensify on Sunday. Belal could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall is fully developed. Tropical Cyclone Belal could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal could reach la Reunion in 36 hours. Belal could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches la Reunion. Tropical Cyclone Belal will bring strong winds and heavy rain to la Reunion. The strong winds will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rain will likely cause flash floods in some location. Belal could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along parts of the coast of la Reunion. Tropical Cyclone Belal will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Mauritius.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Forms over Southwest Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Belal formed over the Southwest Indian Ocean on Friday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 14.9°S and longitude 55.5°E which put it about 400 miles (605 km) north of Port Louis, Mauritius. Belal was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

A low pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean north-northwest of Mauritius strengthened on Friday and Meteo France la Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Belal. More thunderstorms formed near center center of Belal’s circulation. Thunderstorms also increased in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Belal will intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours. Belal could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall develops. Tropical Cyclone Belal could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 72 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the southwest on Saturday. Tropical Cyclone Belal will turn back toward the southeast after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Belal could approach Mauritius and La Reunion in 60 hours. Belal could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches Mauritius and La Reunion.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro Starts Extratropical Transition

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro started to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone over the Southwest Indian Ocean south of La Reunion on Wednesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro was located at latitude 26.8°S and longitude 54.9°E which put it about 405 miles (655 km) south of St. Denis, La Reunion. Alvaro was moving toward the southeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 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 998 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro began a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Wednesday. Alvaro moved over cooler water. In addition, an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean produced strong westerly winds that blew toward the top of Alvaro’s circulation. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear. The combination of cooler water and strong vertical wind shear caused the structure of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro to change. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Alvaro’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will move through an environment unfavorable for a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Alvaro will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are colder than 26°C. It will continue to move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The colder water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Alvaro to continue its transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean will steer Tropical Cyclone Alvaro toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will pass south of Mauritius on Thursday.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro Moves East of Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro moved east of Madagascar on Tuesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro was located at latitude 23.1°S and longitude 50.3°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) east of Farafangana, Madagascar. Alvaro was moving toward the east-southeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro weakened to the equivalent of a tropical depression before it moved over the Southwest Indian Ocean east of Madagascar on Tuesday. Alvaro began to intensify slowly after it moved back over water. More thunderstorms began to develop in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro. Those thunderstorms generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Alvaro’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Alvaro will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Alvaro’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent some intensification. Tropical Cyclone Alvaro could continue to slowly intensify on Wednesday.

The upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel will steer Tropical Cyclone Alvaro toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will move farther east of Madagascar. Alvaro will pass south of La Reunion and Mauritius in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro Brings Wind and Rain to Southern Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro brought wind and rain to southern Madagascar on Monday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro was located at latitude 21.5°S and longitude 45.3°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) north of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. Alvaro was moving toward the east at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro made landfall on the coast of southwest Madagascar north of Morombe on Monday. Alvaro was near hurricane/typhoon intensity at the time of landfall. A circular eye was at the center of Alvaro’s circulation at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation. Tropical Cyclone Alvaro moved eastward across southern Madagascar and the center was north of Fianarantsoa on Sunday night. Heavy rain was falling over parts of southern Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro weakened after it moved over southern Madagascar on Monday, but Alvaro’s circulation continued to exhibit organization. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center of Alvaro generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Alvaro.

Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will continue to weaken while the center of circulation moves eastward over southern Madagascar. The center of Alvaro’s circulation could move over the southwest Indian Ocean east of Madagascar in 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will move into an environment somewhat favorable for intensification when it moves back over water. Alvaro will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Alvaro’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent some intensification. Tropical Cyclone Alvaro could intensify when the center moves back over water east of Madagascar.

The upper level ridge over the Mozambique Channel will steer Tropical Cyclone Alvaro toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alvaro will continue to move eastward across southern Madagascar. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some parts of southern Madagascar. Alvaro will move off the coast of southeast Madagascar between Mananjary and Manakara in about 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Alvaro could pass south of La Reunion and Mauritius later this week.