Tropical Cyclone Grant developed over the South Indian Ocean east of the Cocos Islands on Monday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant was located at latitude 12.5°S and longitude 99.8°E which put the center about 210 miles (340 km) east of the Cocos Islands.  Grant was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the Cocos Islands.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean east of the Cocos Islands strengthened on Monday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Grant.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Grant on Monday.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Grant’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Grant 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 Grant was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Grant’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Grant will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Grant will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Grant toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Grant will reach the Cocos Islands in less than 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Grant will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the Cocos Islands.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods.