Tag Archives: Port Mathurin

Tropical Low Strengthens to Tropical Cyclone Zelia

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Zelia on Tuesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 18.7°S and longitude 118.9°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was moving toward the south-southwest 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 991 mb.

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened on Tuesday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the center of Zelia 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 Zelia became more symmetrical on Tuesday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (230 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.

A weather station on Rowley Shoals measured a sustained wind speed of 47 kt (54 m.p.h. or 87 km/h) and a wind gust of 64 kt (74 m.p.h. or 119 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Zelia will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle part of an upper level ridge that extends from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Zelia will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Zelia is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia slowly toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will move closer to the coast of Western Australia.  Zelia could approach the coast between Wallal Downs and Port Hedland in 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Broome to Port Hedland.  The Warning includes Wallal Downs and De Grey.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Hedland to Dampier.  The Watch extends inland to Marble Bar.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the De Grey River, the Pilbara coastal Rivers, the Fortescue River and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vince continued to move farther away from Rodrigues and Tropical Cyclone Taliah continued to move farther away from the Cocos Islands.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 29.5°S and longitude 70.3°E which put the center about 805 miles (1295 km) south-southeast of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues.  Vince was moving toward the south-southeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). vThe minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 16.4°S and longitude 91.5°E which put the center about 435 miles (705 km) southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the south-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 982 mb.

Tropical Low Develops Near Western Australia

A Tropical Low developed near the coast of Western Australia on Monday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 15.7°S and longitude 120.9°E which put the center about 180 miles (290 km) north-northwest of Broome, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around a Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia exhibited more organization on Monday.  Thunderstorms organized in bands in the southern and western parts of the Tropical Low.  Bands in the northern and eastern parts of the circulation still consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that started to pump mass away from the Tropical Low.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over Australia.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  The Tropical Low is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move more toward the south later this week.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will move toward the coast of Western Australia.

The Tropical Low is likely to intensify to a tropical cyclone before it reaches the coast of Western Australia.  It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Western Australia later this week.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Leveque to Port Hedland.  The Watch includes Broome, Wallal Downs, and De Grey.

A Flood Watch is in effect for the De Grey River and parts of the Sandy Desert catchments.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vince moved farther away from Rodrigues and Tropical Cyclone Taliah moved farther away from the Cocos Islands.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 25.4°S and longitude 68.6°E which put the center about 515 miles (835 km) southeast of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues.  Vince was moving toward the south at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 960 mb.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 14.2°S and longitude 92.2°E which put the center about 330 miles (530 km) west-southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 992 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Vince Moves Away From Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Vince moved farther away from Rodrigues on Sunday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 21.9°S and longitude 69.1°E which put the center about 410 miles (660 km) east-southeast of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues.  Vince was moving toward the south-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 952 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Vince continued to gradually weaken as it moved away from Rodrigues on Sunday.  Even though Vince was weakening, the circulation around the tropical cyclone remained well organized.  A circular eye with a diameter of 45 miles (73 km) was at the center of Vince’s circulation.  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 revolved around the core of Tropical Cyclone Vince.  Storms near the core of Vince generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The divergence of mass in the upper levels was less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure increased gradually.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Vince was still very well organized.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Vince’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Vince is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 19.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 41.3.  Tropical Cyclone Vince is similar in intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.  Vince is much larger than Dennis was.

.Tropical Cyclone Vince will move through an environment that will become even less favorable for an intense tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Vince will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough southeast of Madagascar.  The upper level tough will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Vince’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  More vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Vince to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Vince will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Vince toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Vince will continue to move farther away from Rodrigues.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Taliah continued to weaken southwest of the Cocos Islands.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 14.8°S and longitude 93.2°E which put the center about 410 miles (660 km) southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the west 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 999 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Vince Spins East of Rodrigues

Tropical Cyclone Vince continued to spin over the South Indian Ocean east of Rodrigues on Saturday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 20.6°S and longitude 71.2°E which put the center about 525 miles (850 km) east of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues.  Vince was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 946 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Vince weakened gradually as it continued to spin over the South Indian Ocean east of Rodrigues.  A circular eye with a diameter of 40 miles (65 km) was at the center of Vince’s circulation.  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 revolved around the core of Tropical Cyclone Vince.  Storms near the core of Vince generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The divergence of mass in the upper levels was less than the convergence of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure increased gradually.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Vince was still very well organized.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Vince’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Vince.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles in the northern side of Vince’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Vince is 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 12.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 37.7.  Tropical Cyclone Vince is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017

.Tropical Cyclone Vince will move through an environment that will become less favorable for an intense tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Vince will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Vince’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. More vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Vince to continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Vince will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Vince toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Vince will move closer to Rodrigues.  Vince is likely to start to move toward the south when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system on Monday.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Taliah was moving farther away from the Cocos Islands.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 15.6°S and longitude 94.4°E which put the center about 285 miles (455 km) south of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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.

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.