Comoros/Mozambique: Tropical cyclone forecast to form April 24-26

Event

A recently-formed tropical depression is forecast to pass over Comoros on Wednesday, April 24, and Thursday, April 25, before making landfall in northern Mozambique on Friday, April 26. As of Tuesday, April 23, the storm is located off the north coast of Madagascar with 55 kph (35 mph) winds and is predicted to rapidly develop into a tropical cyclone on Thursday with sustained winds of 130 kph (80 mph), the equivalent of a Category 1 Atlantic hurricane. Comoros and Mayotte will likely receive 2.5-10 cm (1-4 in) of rain beginning Tuesday night (local time), which is expected to intensify throughout Wednesday day and evening. The storm is currently forecast to make landfall in Mozambique near the Quirimbas Islands (Cabo Delgado province), just south of Tanzania. Strong winds, surf, and rain are expected to affect Antsiranana province (Madagascar), Comoros, Mayotte, Cabo Delgado province (Mozambique), and Lindi and Mtwara regions (Tanzania). Flash flooding, wind damage, and associated power, telecommunication, and transportation disruptions are possible in the abovementioned areas.

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.