AN intense storm with the potential of reaching cyclone strength in the Mozambique Channel could possibly start affecting Zululand this week.
This is according to Storm Report SA, who did however note that the forecast is subject to change.
‘As the week moves on we could see some heavy rain to extreme eastern parts of the country owing to the system making landfall, but these systems are extremely hard to predict.
‘We are still monitoring the system in the Mozambique Channel that could potentially bring heavy rainfall over the extreme north-eastern part of the country around this time.
‘All forecast are subject to change as the weather can change without a moment’s notice.
‘We cannot guarantee that this forecast will stay the same.’
Storm Report SA initially issued a statement regarding the tropical low in Mozambique after picking up the information on NASA’s hurricane website.
It looks like the next tropical cyclone of the Southern Hemisphere season is brewing in the Mozambique Channel. pic.twitter.com/CYQUoh7FIK
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) February 12, 2017
According to a local resort in Mozambique, the weather seemed to be fine this morning, but they are preparing for strong rains and winds.
‘We are expecting strong rains and winds to begin by this afternoon or tomorrow.
‘We are making sure all of our guests are aware of the weather warnings,’ said a resort employee.
Meanwhile, SA Weather Services confirmed that the Zululand region would definitely receive rainfall this week, with 60-80% chance.
Brewing TC in #Mozambique Channel; storm is expected to push into S Mozambique late Wednesday or Thursday. #Madagascar #Africa pic.twitter.com/zriEP4vkCs
— Jason Nicholls (@jnmet) February 13, 2017
Here is the full statement from NASA issued yesterday:
SO. INDIAN OCEAN – System 98S Developing in Mozambique Channel
A tropical low pressure area in the Mozambique Channel, which lies between Mozambique on the African mainland and the island nation of Madagascar, appears to be coming together on satellite imagery today.
NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this visible image of System 98S as it passed overhead early on February 12.
The center was located near 21.0 degrees south latitude and 4.1 degrees east longitude, about 505 nautical miles north-east of Maputo, Mozambique.
The center of circulation appears to be consolidating quickly over the warm waters of the channel.
There are also strong bands of thunderstorms wrapping into the center of circulation.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that System 98S is forecast to move in a south-westerly direction toward Mozambique over the next 2 days, with the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 24 hours being high.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
