24 Jan 2022 | 04:08 AM UTC
Mozambique Channel: Tropical Storm Ana tracking westwards in Mozambique Channel early Jan. 24 /update 1
Tropical Storm Ana tracking westwards in Mozambique Channel early Jan. 24. Landfall over Nampula Province, Mozambique, Jan. 24.
Event
Tropical Storm Ana is tracking westwards in the Mozambique Channel early Jan. 24. As of 05:00 CAT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 669 km (415 miles) north-northwest of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Forecast models indicate the system will maintain its strength as it tracks westward toward the coast of northern Mozambique, making landfall over Mogincual District, Nampula Province, the afternoon of Jan. 24. The system is forecast to weaken as it continues tracking westwards and dissipates over far western Chikwawa District, Southern Region, Malawi, near the border with Mozambique, the afternoon of Jan. 25. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
Officials at the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology have warned of moderate to very heavy rainfall with weak to strong southwest to northwest winds over Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, as well as moderate to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms over Manica, Sofala, Tete, and Zambezia provinces. Light rains with light to moderate southeast to southwest winds are forecast for Gaza, Inhambane, and Maputo provinces.
Locally abundant rains are forecast over northern, northwestern, and east-central Madagascar. The Madagascar General Directorate of Meteorology has issued red (the highest level on a four-tier scale) warnings for Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, Betsiboka, Boeny, Diana, Sava, and Sofia regions as well as Antananarivo-Avaradrano, Andramasina, Ambatolampy, Antanifotsy, Antsirabe I, Antsirabe Il, Besalampy, Fandriana, Maintirano, and Manjakandriana districts. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports, such as Nampula Airport (APL), and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
