Tag Archives: Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Eloise intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Friday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 19.0°S and longitude 37.5°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) east-northeast of Beira, Mozambique. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 974 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near the coast of Mozambique on Friday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Eloise and an eye was visible on satellite images. A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye want the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Eloise will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the northern portion of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean and southern Africa. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise is likely to get stronger today.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next two days. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise will make landfall on the coast of Mozambique near Beira in less than 12 hours. Eloise will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will bring winds to hurricane/typhoon force to the area around Beira, Mozambique. Eloise will weaken after it moves inland, but it will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique, southern Zimbabwe, southern Botswana, and northern South Africa. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Strengthens over Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Eloise strengthened over the Mozambique Channel on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 18.0°S and longitude 40.1°E which put it about 375 miles (605 km) east-northeast of Beira, Mozambique. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 989 mb.

After weakening on Wednesday while it passed over northern Madagascar, the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Eloise strengthened on Thursday. There was still a broad center of circulation in the middle of Eloise. However, a few more thunderstorms were forming inside the broad center. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center. The most recent satellite images indicated that the inner end of a rainband could be wrapping more tightly around the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Eloise will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the northern portion of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise will intensify during the next 24 hours and it is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean during the next two days. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise could approach the coast of Mozambique near Beira in less than 36 hours. Eloise is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise Crosses Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Eloise crossed Madagascar on Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eloise was located at latitude 15.9°S and longitude 44.3°E which put it about 140 miles (230 km) north of Maintirano, Madagascar. Eloise was moving toward the west-southwest at 19 m.p.h. (31 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 995 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise moved quickly across northern Madagascar on Wednesday. Eloise was emerging over the Mozambique Channel by late Wednesday. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Eloise was relatively intact after its passage over Madagascar. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Eloise. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Eloise will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. It will move under the northern portion of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eloise will intensify during the next 36 hours and it is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Eloise will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Eloise toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Eloise could approach the coast of Mozambique near Beira in about 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Makes Landfall in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall in Mozambique on Tuesday night. At 9:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 19.5°S and longitude 35.3°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Beira, Mozambique. Chalane was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 981 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall just to the north of Beira, Mozambique on Tuesday night. Chalane intensified until it made landfall. Tropical Cyclone Chalane was almost the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall. An elliptical eye was at the center of Chalane. The eye was surround by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Chalane.

Tropical Storm Chalane will move north of a high pressure system over southern Africa and the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move across central Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Chalane will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland. It will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Strengthens East of Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chalane strengthened east of Mozambique on Tuesday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 19.6°S and longitude 39.3°E which put it about 225 miles (365 km) east of Beira, Mozambique. Chalane was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (30 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 993 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Chalane was much more symmetrical and it exhibited better organization on Tuesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of circulation and satellite images indicated that an eye could be forming at the center of Chalane. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone. The circulation around Chalane was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Chalane will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The winds near the axis of the ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Chalane will intensify today and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move north of a subtropical high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next two days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will make landfall near Beira, Mozambique in 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Chalane could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Mozambique. Chalane will bring strong winds to the portion of the coast near Beira. It could cause a storm surge at the coast of up to 7 feet (2 meters). Tropical Cyclone Chalane will drop heavy rain over parts of central Mozambique and flash floods could occur.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Emerges over Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Chalane emerged over the Mozambique Channel on Monday. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 20.1°S and longitude 43.3°E which put it about 270 miles (440 km) east-northeast of Europa Island. Chalane was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

After crossing central Madagascar during the weekend, Tropical Cyclone Chalane emerged over the Mozambique Channel on Monday. The circulation around Chalane remained relatively intact despite crossing mountains on Madagascar. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands north and east of the center of circulation. Bands south and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Chalane. The winds in the northern half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Chalane will move over water in the Mozambique Channel where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The winds near the axis of the ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Chalane will intensify and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move north of a subtropical high pressure system over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The high will steer Chalane toward the west during the next few days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Chalane will pass near Europa Island in 18 hours. Chalane could approach the central coast of Mozambique in 48 hours. Tropical Cyclone Chalane could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane Makes Landfall in Madgascaar

The center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall on the coast of Madagascar on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 49.2°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Toamasina, Madagascar. Chalane was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 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.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Chalane made landfall on the coast of northeast Madagascar between Fenoarivo and Toamasina on Saturday. The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles from the center of the tropical cyclone. The heaviest rain was falling in bands in the western and southern parts of Chalane.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move west-southwest across central Madagascar during the next 24 hours. The center will pass a little north of Antananarivo. The mountains will disrupt the lower levels of the circulation and Chalane will weaken while it is over land. However, Tropical Cyclone Chalane will drop heavy rain over parts of central and northern Madagascar. The rain will be heaviest where winds push air up the slopes and flash floods could occur in regions of steep terrain.

Tropical Cyclone Chalane will move over the Mozambique Channel in a day or so. If the middle and upper parts of the circulation remain relatively intact, then Chalane could strengthen back into the equivalent of a tropical storm. Tropical Cyclone Chalane or the remnants of its circulation could approach Mozambique in 72 hours

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Kenneth Makes Landfall in Northern Mozambique

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in northern Mozambique on Thursday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was located at latitude 12.1°S and longitude 40.5°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) north of Pemba, Mozambique.  Kenneth was moving toward the west-southwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 937 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth continued to intensify until it made landfall near Quissanga, Mozambique.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out about 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 160 miles (260 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was 28.2.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 44.5.  Those indices mean that Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was capable of causing significant regional damage.  In addition to wind damage Kenneth will cause a significant storm surge at the coast.  Locally heavy rain will produce flooding over parts of northern Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will weaken when it moves inland over northern Mozambique.  However, It will take several days for the circulation around Kenneth to spin down.  The circulation could linger in that area for several days.  If that happens, persistent rainfall will exacerbate flooding of rivers and streams, which would hinder rescue and recovery efforts.

Elsewhere over the southern Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Lorna was swirling well to the east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lorna was located at latitude 11.0°S and longitude 86.1°E which put it about 950 miles (1530 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Lorna was moving toward the east-southeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 988 mb.

Major Tropical Cyclone Kenneth Brings Strong Wind, Rain to Comoros

Major Tropical Cyclone Kenneth brought strong wind and rain to the Comoros on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was located at latitude 11.3°S and longitude 42.8°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of the Comoros.  Kenneth was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 954 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth intensified rapidly on Tuesday into the equivalent of a major hurricane.  A small circular eye appeared at the center of circulation on infrared satellite images.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of the circulation.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out about 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 130 miles (215 km) from the center of circulation.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Kenneth was 20.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 31.1.  Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was capable of causing major damage.

The southern half of the eyewall of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth passed over northern Grande Comore (Njazidja).  Mitsamiouli and Mbeni were likely to have experienced winds to hurricane/typhoon force.  Strong winds may have also affected the capital, Moroni.  Major wind damage may have occurred in those areas.  Heavy rain falling on steep slopes may cause flash flooding.  Easterly winds blowing up the slopes would have enhanced rainfall and the greatest risks for flooding were on the eastern sides of the mountains.  Those easterly winds may have also generated a significant storms surge along the northeast coast of Grande Comore (Njazidja).

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 18 hours.  Kenneth will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge where the winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Kenneth is likely to intensify more while it moves across the Mozambique Channel.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will move north of a subtropical ridge.  The ridge will steer Kenneth a little to the south of due west.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will make landfall on the north coast of Mozambique between Ibo and Mocimboa da Praia in about 18 hours.  Kenneth is likely to be a strong tropical cyclone at the time of landfall.  It will be capable of causing major wind damage and a storm surge at the coast.  Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will also drop heavy rain when it moves inland over northern Mozambique and it could cause additional flooding in that region.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Lorna moved gradually farther away from Diego Garcia.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lorna was located at latitude 10.3°S and longitude 84.8°E which put it about 855 miles (1380 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Lorna was moving toward the east at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 997 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth Develops North of Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth developed north of Madagascar on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth was located at latitude 10.7°S and longitude 47.2°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) east-northeast of the Comoros.  Kenneth was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 981 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Kenneth organized rapidly on Tuesday.  A band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the eastern side of the center of circulation.  Microwave satellite imagery indicated that an eye might be forming at the center of Kenneth.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were developing outside the core of the circulation.  Storms around the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 130 miles (210 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next day or two.  Kenneth will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under an upper level ridge.  The winds are weak near the core of the ridge and vertical wind shear will be limited as long as Tropical Cyclone Kenneth stays under the central part of the ridge.  Kenneth is likely to intensify into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Once an eye forms, Tropical Cyclone Kenneth could intensify rapidly and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth will move north of a subtropical ridge during the next several days.  The ridge will steer Kenneth a little to the south of due west during that time period.  On its anticipated track the core of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth could pass near the Comoros in about 24 hours.  Kenneth could be the equivalent of a major hurricane by that time.  It could cause major wind damage and a significant storm surge at the coast.  Kenneth could also drop heavy rain, which could cause flash flooding along the steeper slopes.   Tropical Cyclone Kenneth could make landfall on the coast of northern Mozambique within 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Lorna developed east of Diego Garcia on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lorna was located at latitude 9.7°S and longitude 82.9°E which put it about 715 miles (1155 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia.  Lorna was moving toward the southeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 997 mb.