Tag Archives: Port Mathurin

Tropical Cyclone Djoungou Develops North of Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Djoungou developed over the South Indian Ocean north of Rodrigues on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Djoungou was located at latitude 15.3°S and longitude 65.1°E which put it about 315 miles (505 km) north-northeast of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues. Djoungou was moving toward the east at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1001 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean north of Rodrigues strengthened on Thursday and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Djoungou. The circulation around Djoungou was organizing quickly. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern and southern sides of the center of Tropical Cyclone Djoungou. Storms near the center of Djoungou’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Thunderstorms developed in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Cyclone Djoungou. Bands in the western part of Djoungou’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Cyclone Djoungou was asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Djoungou’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone Djoungou. The winds in the western half of Djoungou were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Djoungou will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Djoungou will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Djoungou will intensify during the next 24 hours. Djoungou could intensify rapidly at times. Tropical Cyclone Djoungou could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the weekend.

Tropical Cyclone Djoungou will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Djoungou toward the east during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Djoungou will move farther away from Rodrigues. Djoungou could pass south of Diego Garcia in a few days.

Anggrek Transitions to an Extratropical Cyclone

Former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek made a transition to an extratropical cyclone over the South Indian Ocean during Tuesday night. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 33.3°S and longitude 84.8°E which put it about 1925 miles (3105 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia. Anggrek was moving toward the east-southeast at 40 m.p.h. (65 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 983 mb.

Former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek made a transition to a powerful extratropical cyclone over the South Indian Ocean. Anggrek moved over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 22°C. It moved under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is east of Madagascar. The upper level trough produced northwesterly winds that caused strong vertical wind shear. The combination of colder water and strong wind shear caused formal Tropical Cyclone Anggrek to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone.

The transition to an extratropical cyclone also caused changes to the structure of former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. The strong northwesterly winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere blew the tops off of many of the thunderstorms in Anggrek’s circulation. Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southern part of former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. Bands in the northern part of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the eastern side of former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation.

The upper level trough east of Madagascar will steer former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek quickly toward the east-southeast. On its anticipated track, Former Tropical Cyclone Anggrek could approach southwestern Australia later this week.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, a tropical depression formed east of Rodrigues. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of the tropical depression was located at latitude 19.9°S and longitude 66.2°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) east of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues. The tropical depression was moving toward the south-southeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Moves West of Cocos Islands

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek moved west of Cocos Islands on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 12.3°S and longitude 93.1°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) west of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek did not change much during the past 24 hours. The inner end of a rainband was still wrapped around the western and northern sides of the center of Anggrek’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. 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 100 miles (126 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment a little more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anggrek will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the eastern section of the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek is likely to strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the northern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Anggrek toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move farther west of Cocos Islands on Friday.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Belal meandered south-southeast of Rodrigues. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 23.9°S and longitude 65.5°E which put it about 315 miles (510 km) south-southeast of Port Mathurin, Rodigues. Belal was moving toward the northeast at 4 m.p.h. (11 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 992 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Spins Northwest of Cocos Islands

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek continued to spin over the South Indian Ocean northwest of the Cocos Islands on Wednesday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 10.8°S and longitude 93.9°E which put it about 205 miles (330 km) northwest of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the south-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 994 mb.

A Watch was in effect for the Cocos Islands.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek exhibited a little more organization on Wednesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and northern sides of the center of Anggrek’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. 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 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. 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 western part of a high pressure system west of Australia. The pressure system will start to steer Anggrek toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move west-northwest of Cocos Islands on Thursday.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Belal churned south of Rodrigues. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 24.2°S and longitude 63.9°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south of Port Mathurin, Rodigues. Belal was moving toward the east at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 987 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Meanders Northwest of Cocos Islands

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek meandered slowly over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Cocos Islands on Tuesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 9.7°S and longitude 94.1°E which put it about 255 miles (410 km) northwest of Cocos Islands. Anggrek was moving toward the east-southeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 994 mb.

A Watch was in effect for the Cocos Islands.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek strengthened gradually on Tuesday is it meandered over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Cocos Islands. More thunderstorms formed in bands revolving around the center of Anggrek’s circulation. 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 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone 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 more during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the western part of a high pressure system west of Australia. The pressure system will start to steer Anggrek toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will remain northwest of Cocos Islands on Wednesday.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Belal moved south of Rodrigues. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 24.3°S and longitude 62.9°E which put it about 310 miles (500 km) south of Port Mathurin, Rodigues. Belal was moving toward the southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 986 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Herold Brings Wind, Rain to Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Herold brought wind and rain to Rodrigues on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Herold was located at latitude 21.4°S and longitude 64.1°E which put it about 125 miles (200 km) south-southeast of Port Mathurin, Mauritius.  Herold was moving toward the southeast at 21 m.p.h. (34 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 978 mb.

The core of Tropical Cyclone Herold passed west of Rodrigues on Tuesday, but it came close enough to that island to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain.  A weather station at the Plaine Corail airport on Rodrigues reported a wind gust of 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).

Although Tropical Cyclone Herold began to weaken on Tuesday.  It remained strong enough to generate wind gusts to hurricane/typhoon force over parts of Rodrigues.  Microwave satellite imagery indicated the there was still an eye at the center of Herold, although the eye was not evident on conventional infrared images.  The eye was surround by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 150 miles (240 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Herold will continue to weaken during the next several days.  An upper level trough near Madagascar and an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean will interact to produce strong northwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Herold.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear and they will cause the tropical cyclone to weaken.

The upper level trough and ridge will steer Tropical Cyclone Herold toward the southeast.  On its anticipated track Herold will move quickly away from Rodrigues.  Weather conditions on that island will gradually improve as Tropical Cyclone Herold moves farther away.

Tropical Cyclone Herold Passes North of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Herold passed north of Mauritius on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Herold was located at latitude 17.3°S and longitude 57.6°E which put it about 230 miles (370 km) north of Port Louis, Mauritius.  Herold was moving toward the east-southeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 972 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Herold remained well organized on Monday.  Microwave satellite imagery indicated that there was an eye at the center of circulation, but the eye was not visible on conventional satellite images.  The eye was surround by a narrow 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 Herold.  Many of the stronger thunderstorms were in bands south and east of the center of circulation.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (215 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Herold may have reached its maximum intensity.  Herold will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  So, there will be plenty of energy in the upper layer of the South Indian Ocean to support intensification.  However, an upper level trough near Madagascar and an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean will interact to produce strong northwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Tropical Cyclone Herold.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and they will likely prevent further intensification.  In fact the wind shear is likely to be strong enough to cause Herold to start to weaken during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough and ridge will combine to steer Tropical Cyclone Herold quickly toward the east-southeast.  On its anticipated track Herold could reach Rodrigues within 24 hours.  Tropical Cyclone Herold is likely to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Port Mathurin and the rest of Rodrigues.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Damien Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Damien strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Thursday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Damien was located at latitude 18.0°S and longitude 117.2°E which put it about 190 miles (310 km) north of Karratha, Australia.  Damien was moving toward the southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 979 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Wallal Downs to Mardie including Port Hedland, Karratha and Dampier.  A Watch was in effect for the coast from Mardia to Onslow.

Tropical Cyclone Damien organized quickly on Thursday.  Microwave satellite imagery suggested that a small eye could be forming at the center of Damien.  A small ring of thunderstorms surrounded the forming eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Damien.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Damien will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Damien will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over Australia.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Damien will strengthen during the next 24 hours and it could rapidly intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Damien will move around the western end of a high pressure system centered over Australia.  The high will steer Damien toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Damien could make landfall on the coast of Western Australia in the vicinity of Dampier, Karratha and Wickham in about 24 hours.  Damien could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.  It will produce strong gusty winds.  Tropical Cyclone Damien will also drop locally heavy rain and flash floods could occur in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Francisco weakened east of Rodrigues.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Francisco was located at latitude 19.3°S and longitude 71.7°E which put it about 565 miles (910 km) east of Port Mathurin, Mauritius.  Francisco was moving toward the southeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 1001 mb

Tropical Cyclone Develops Near Western Australia, Watch Issued

A tropical cyclone currently designated as 14S (SH14) developed near the coast of Western Australia on Wednesday and a Watch was issued for a portion of the coast.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone 14S was located at latitude 17.1°S and longitude 120.2°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) north-northeast of Port Hedland, Australia.  The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.  A Watch was issued for a portion of the coast of Western Australia from Wallal Downs to Onslow including Port Hedland, Karratha and Dampier.

A Tropical Low previously located over Western Australia moved westward over the South Indian Ocean on Wednesday and it strengthened into Tropical Cyclone 14S.  The circulation around the tropical cyclone was still organizing on Wednesday night.  More thunderstorms were forming near the center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were developing and the bands were revolving around the center of the tropical cyclone.  Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone 14S will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours.  The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under the northwestern part of an upper level ridge centered over northern Australia.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone 14S will continue to intensify and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon in 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone 14S will move around the northwestern end of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west-southwest during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Tropical Cyclone 14S will turn more toward the south on Friday when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 14S could approach the coast of Western Australia between Port Hedland and Karratha in about 48 hours.  It will likely be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Francisco formed northeast of Rodrigues.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Francisco was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 70.4°E which put it about 485 miles (785 km) east-northeast of Port Mathurin, Mauritius.  Francisco was moving toward the east-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 998 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Diane Passes South of Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Diane passed south of Rodrigues on Saturday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Diane was located at latitude 22.2°S and longitude 64.7°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) south-southeast of Port Mathurin, Maritius.  Diane was moving toward the east-southeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 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.

Tropical Cyclone Diane brought winds to tropical storm force when it passed south of Rodrigues.  Diane also caused winds to tropical storm force over Mauritius earlier on Saturday.  A weather station at Le Morne on Mauritius measured a wind speed of 49 m.p.h. (79 km/h).  Several other weather stations on Mauritius including one at the international airport also reported winds to tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Diane will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification.  Diane will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C.  An upper level trough east of Madagascar will produce northwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Diane could strengthen a little more during the next 12 hours, but the wind shear will cause weakening in a day or two.

The upper level trough will steer Tropical Cyclone Diane toward the east-southeast during the next 24 to 36 hours.  On its anticipated track Diane will move quickly away from Rodrigues

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Esami was churning about 1000 miles (1600 km) east of Tropical Cyclone Diane.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Esami was located at latitude 25.9°S and longitude 74.8°E which put it about 1160 miles (1875 km) east-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius.  Esami 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 996 mb.