Comoros/Mozambique: Category 3-equivalent cyclone to hit April 24-25 /update 1

Event

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth is forecast to pass over Comoros on Wednesday, April 24, before making landfall in northern Mozambique on Thursday, April 25. Kenneth is currently producing sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and is predicted to intensify to the equivalent of a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane by Wednesday evening with winds of 195 kph (120 mph). The storm will likely pass just north of Grande Comoros with strong winds and heavy rain being felt across the archipelago and in Mayotte by midday (local time) Wednesday. Up to 15 cm (6 in) of rain is forecast for parts of Comoros and flash flooding is possible, along with flight disruptions. Kenneth is then predicted to make landfall on Thursday afternoon or evening at Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province near the Quirimbas Islands. Rainfall of 20-30 cm (8-12 in) with possible localized totals up to 50 cm (20 in) is expected through Sunday, April 28. Flooding, wind damage, and associate disruptions, including road closures, power outages, flight disruptions, and telecommunication disruptions, are possible for northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania, including Lindi and Mtwara regions (Tanzania) and the Mozambican city of Pemba (Cabo Delgado province).

Context

Mozambique is still recovering from a catastrophic cyclone that hit the center of the country in March that killed over 1000 people and affected 3 million people in total across the region.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate telecommunication and power outages and transportation disruptions, including road closures and flight cancelations, ensure adequate food and medical supplies, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.