Storm Threat: ‘Gamane’ Expected to Hit at 140 km/h

As the Easter weekend approaches, the festive atmosphere may be dampened by the looming threat of the upcoming tropical cyclone “Gamane.”

Mauritius Meteorological Services forecasts rain and thunderstorms towards the end of the week.

Memories of the intense tropical cyclone Louise in 1970, which passed 140 km east of Mauritius, raise concerns about a potential repeat scenario.

Winds reached up to 140 km/h during that event. Current numerical models suggest that the tropical disturbance near the northeast coast of Madagascar could rapidly intensify into a tropical storm.

‘Gamane’ potentially becoming a tropical cyclone by week’s end, according to the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) located in Réunion.

Long-term forecasts from Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) already warn of moderate showers beginning Friday, March 29, with significant deterioration in weather expected on Saturday, March 30, possibly reaching cyclonic conditions on the island.

Thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 60 km/h are also anticipated based on current estimations.

Forecasters from the Vacoas meteorological station emphasize that these predictions rely on consistent numerical trends showing the potential development of the tropical disturbance into Tropical Storm “Gamane.”

The system is currently in a favorable environment for intensification, likely progressing quickly to tropical storm status.

Predictions indicate that “Gamane” will track southeastward, posing a potential threat to both Mauritius and Réunion by week’s end.

However, it’s still premature to determine the exact size and strength of the system, according to MMS forecasters.

Expectations include moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and rough seas.

Storm surges could lead to coastal flooding, particularly along the north and west coasts, especially during high tides.

Meteorological services closely monitor the system, with the possibility of cyclone alerts being issued for the region before the week’s end, depending on its trajectory and intensity.

Source: Defi Media