Public Warned to Stay Safe until 7pm as Thundery Showers Pass Mauritius

A heavy rain watch is in effect across Mauritius today as Severe Tropical Storm Fytia passes to the south-west, bringing the threat of thundery showers and localized flooding. The warning, issued by the Vacoas weather station on Tuesday, 3 February, is scheduled to remain in place until 7:00 pm.

As of 4:00 am, Severe Tropical Storm Fytia was located at latitude 23.0 degrees south and longitude 53.9 degrees east, approximately 465 km south-west of the island.

The system is currently tracking south-east at a speed of 12 km/h.

Deteriorating Conditions

Meteorologists expect conditions to decline throughout the day, with skies turning overcast this morning and into the afternoon. Residents should prepare for:

• Scattered Showers: Predominantly affecting the North, the West, and the Central Plateau.
• Intense Bursts: Rainfall may be moderate to locally heavy at times, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms.
• Reduced Visibility: Fog patches are anticipated in several regions across the island.

The mercury is set to peak between 25°C and 27°C on the Central Plateau, while coastal areas will see highs of 29°C to 32°C.

Overnight, the frequency of showers is expected to diminish, with temperatures dipping to 20°C inland and 24°C along the coast.

Maritime and Safety Advice

The sea remains rough beyond the reefs, with south-westerly swells reaching heights of approximately 2 metres. Winds are expected to blow from the north at 20 km/h.

In light of the potential for heavy thundery downpours, authorities have issued the following safety guidance:

• Seek Shelter: Avoid open plains, hiking, or venturing out to sea. Do not seek refuge under trees during thunderstorms.
• Avoid Flood Zones: Stay clear of areas prone to water accumulation.
• Road Safety: Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, as heavy rain and fog will significantly reduce visibility.

Source: Defi Media