Cyclone Warning: Bheki Approaches Mauritius & Rodrigues

A Class 1 cyclone warning is currently in effect for Mauritius, while Rodrigues has been placed on a Class 2 cyclone alert. As of 4 a.m. November 18 morning, Cyclone Bheki was located approximately 1,120 kilometers east-northeast of Mauritius, at coordinates 18.0 degrees south and 67.9 degrees east. The cyclone is moving in a general southwest direction at a speed of about 8 km/h.

Despite recent analyses suggesting that the tropical cyclone may begin to weaken in the coming hours, Bheki remains a potential threat to Mauritius.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, as local weather conditions are expected to be cloudy at times with rain showers, particularly affecting the eastern and southern parts of the island, as well as the central plateau.

Southeast winds are forecasted to blow at around 25 km/h, gradually strengthening with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h by the evening of November 18.

Marine conditions are expected to be rough beyond the reefs, and high seas are anticipated. Therefore, venturing out to sea is strongly discouraged.

In Rodrigues, the situation is more critical, with the island under a Class 2 cyclone alert.

At the same time as the report from Mauritius, Bheki was reported to be approximately 500 kilometers east-northeast of Rodrigues, maintaining the same coordinates of 18.0 degrees south and 67.9 degrees east.

The cyclone continues to draw closer, posing a potential threat to the island.

In Rodrigues, southeast winds are expected to blow at around 45 km/h, with gusts that could reach up to 80 km/h, progressively increasing to 100 km/h throughout the day.

The sea conditions are very rough, with significant waves coming from the east, which are projected to increase in intensity by this evening, Nov 18.

Authorities are strongly advising against any sea ventures during this period.

Residents in both Mauritius and Rodrigues are urged to stay informed and prepare for the adverse weather conditions associated with Cyclone Bheki.

Cyclone Bheki Expected to Weaken as it Approaches Mauritius and Réunion

According to Réunion La 1ère, Cyclone Bheki is currently classified as a tropical cyclone; however, it is expected to weaken into a “disorganized depression system” as it passes near Mauritius and Réunion.

This transition is anticipated to occur between Wednesday night and Friday morning.

Météo-France, the national meteorological service, has projected that Bheki will travel south of La Réunion.

However, meteorologists advise that a more precise confirmation of its trajectory will not be available for another 36 hours.

A satellite image from Zoom Earth illustrates the forecasted path of Bheki, indicating that the cyclone may near the southeast coast of Mauritius on Wednesday, November 20.

Source: Defi Media / Defi Media2