13 Mar 2019 | 02:19 AM UTC
Mozambique: Cyclone Idai to make landfall in Sofala province March 14 /update 1
Tropical Cyclone Idai to make landfall in Sofala province on March 14 with very strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rains expected March 13-16; flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions expected throughout region
Event
Tropical Cyclone Idai, the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, is expected to make landfall in central Mozambique the evening (local time) of Thursday, March 14. Rainfall of 20-30 cm (8-12 in), wind gusts up to 260 kph (160 mph), and a storm surge of 1-3 m (3.3-10 ft) are possible in areas of the storm's path, particularly Sofala and Zambezia provinces, including Beira. Moderate rainfall and strong winds are forecast for Niassa, Cabo Delgado, and Nampula province in northern Mozambique from Wednesday, March 13, through Saturday, March 16. The storm is also expected to bring tropical cyclone conditions to western Madagascar, southern Mozambique, and parts of Zimbabwe, many areas which have already experienced heavy rain and flooding in recent days that have killed 30 people in Malawi's Southern Region, six people in Mozambique's Tete province, and four more in Zambezia province. Hundreds of thousands more have been displaced. Flooding, power and telecommunication disruptions, transportation disruptions, including road closures and infrastructure damage, are possible throughout the affected area.
Advice
Individuals in the abovementioned areas 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.
