Tropical Cyclone 14S developed east of Madagascar on Wednesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone 14S was located at latitude 14.3°S and longitude 54.6°E which put it about 280 miles (455 km) east-northeast of Ambohitralanana, Madagascar.  It was moving toward the southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 996 mb.

A distinct center of circulation developed within a large area of showers and thunderstorms east of Madagascar on Wednesday.  A primary rainband wrapped around the southern, western and northern sides of the center.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms formed primarily south and west of the center of circulation.  Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence which was pumping mass away in all directions.

Tropical Cyclone 14S will be moving through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  Tropical Cyclone 14S is under an upper level ridge and the vertical wind shear is not too strong.  Tropical Cyclone 14S will continue to intensify and it could become the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon before it reaches Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone 14S is moving near the northwestern portion of a subtropical ridge which is steering the tropical cyclone toward the southwest.  The ridge is forecast to strengthen and a general motion toward the west-southwest is expected.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 14S could be near the east coast of Madagascar near Ambohitralanana in 24 to 36 hours.  It could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at that time.  Tropical Cyclone 14S will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Madagascar.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods.