Tropical storm Filipo makes landfall in Mozambique

Having achieved moderate tropical storm status during the course of Sunday and Monday, tropical storm Filipo started moving into Vilanculos in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday) and has since made landfall.

Video and photographic footage has emerged of Filipo making landfall, with Mozambican authorities warning an estimated 525 000 people are at risk, as well as 856 schools and 145 health centres.

ALSO READ: Tropical storm Filipo expected to make landfall in Mozambique Monday night

According to the National Institute of Meteorology, between 100mm and 250mm of rain are expected in Inhambane and Sofala provinces, while between 50mm and 100mm are expected for Gaza and Maputo.

Winds gusting up to 120km/h were predicted before Filipo made landfall.

As of late yesterday, the National Institute of Meteorology issued a red tropical disturbance advisory, the highest level on a three-tier scale.

Impact for Zululand

While the SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rains tomorrow (Wednesday), it appears that not the whole of Zululand is set to be affected.

In Zululand, affected areas are Mthonjaneni, Mandeni, uMlalazi and Ulundi.

The warning is in place from 8am to 8pm tomorrow.

“Moderate tropical storm Filipo will result in widespread showers and thunder showers over extreme northeastern parts of KZN,” said SAWS.

“Significant rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm may lead to flooding of road and settlements, damage to infrastructure and mud-based houses.”

While the usual weather forecast predicts minimal rain for the City of uMhlathuze, wind gusts of up to 50km/h are expected.

HAVE YOUR SAY