Madagascar: Cyclone Idai strengthens in Mozambique Channel March 11

Event

Tropical Cyclone Idai strengthened in the Mozambique Channel on Monday, March 11, and is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to western Madagascar and central Mozambique in the coming days. As of 03:00 (local time) on Monday, the storm was producing sustained winds of 167 km/h (104 mph) and expected to strengthen to 220 km/h (135 mph), or the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, by Tuesday, March 12. Idai is predicted to swing by the west coast of Madagascar before heading west to central Madagascar. Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for western Madagascar until Thursday, while similarly adverse weather will likely begin to affect central Mozambique, including Beira, beginning Tuesday, March 12, or Wednesday, March 13. Rainfall of 5-10 cm (2-4 in) is likely across much of the affected areas with localized amounts up to 20 cm (8 in), particularly in the Melaky region. Telecommunication, transportation, and business disruptions, including power outages, road closures, and flight cancelations, are possible in the coming days in western Madagascar and central Mozambique. 

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar and Mozambique are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate telecommunication and power outages, transportation disruptions, including road closures and flight cancelations and delays, and infrastructure damage.