23 Feb 2024 | 02:38 PM UTC
Indian Ocean: Moderate Tropical Storm Eleanor tracking south-southeastward to the southeast of Reunion as of Feb. 23 /update 4
Moderate Tropical Storm Eleanor tracking south-southeastward in the Indian Ocean Feb. 23. Forecast to pass well south of Reunion Feb. 24.
Moderate Tropical Storm Eleanor is tracking south-southeastward in the western Indian Ocean to the southeast of Reunion Feb. 23. As of 16:00 RET, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 430 km (267 miles) south-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius.
Forecast models indicate the system will maintain moderate tropical storm strength as it turns to track west-northwestward early Feb. 24, before weakening into a tropical depression and then dissipating as it passes well to the south of Reunion late Feb. 24-early Feb. 25. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of Feb. 23, Meteo France La Reunion has discontinued all warnings associated with Eleanor. The system is expected to weaken enough so that it causes only minimal adverse weather impacts as it passes around 200 km (124 miles) south of the island in the coming days, with rough seas and isolated showers in southern, southeastern, and southwestern regions possible. Officials may issue new alerts as the storm progresses.
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. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports 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. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather 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 surges. 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. 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.
