25 Apr 2019 | 03:17 AM UTC
Comoros/Mozambique: Cyclone Kenneth continues strengthening April 25 /update 2
Tropical Cyclone Kenneth strengthens to Category 4-equivalent as it heads toward northern Mozambique on April 25; heavy rain, flooding, infrastructure damage, and associated disruptions expected in Comoros and Mozambique
Event
Tropical Cyclone Kenneth passed north of Comoros on Wednesday evening (local time), April 24, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a high storm surge. The storm is forecast to continue strengthening to a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane-equivalent before it makes landfall in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique late Thursday, April 25. As of 05:00 on Thursday, the storm is producing sustained winds of 213 kph (132 mph) and waves of 7.5 m (25 ft). A storm surge of up to 4 m (13 ft) is expected along coastlines to the south of the storm's center and rain of 20-30 cm (8-12 in) with localized totals up to 50 cm (20 in) are possible from Thursday through Sunday. Wind damage, heavy rain, storm surges, and associated coastal and flash flooding is expected along with related disruptions to power, telecommunication, and transportation in the coming days.
Kenneth has already brought heavy rain to northern Madagascar and an estimated 10-20 cm (4-8 in) of rain was forecast for Comoros. Damage reports for Comoros are not yet available as of Thursday morning, though disruptions to power supplies and transportation are likely.
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.
