Cyclone Garance Approaches Reunion, Threatening Heavy Rain and Winds

Cyclone Garance is nearing Reunion Island, anticipated to bring hurricane-force winds and heavy rain. A red warning has been issued by Meteo France, with forecasts predicting damaging wind gusts and significant rainfall. This cyclone is noteworthy as direct hurricane strikes on the island are infrequent, the last being in 1989.

Tropical Cyclone Garance is rapidly approaching the French island of Reunion, with forecasts indicating it may be the first cyclone to reach hurricane-force winds in 36 years. Garance is expected to track close to Reunion, which is situated in the southern Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Due to the cyclone’s intensity, Meteo France has issued a red warning, highlighting the dangers of high waves and strong winds that have already begun to affect the island.

According to Meteo France, Cyclone Garance was classified as an “intense cyclone” on Thursday evening local time, boasting wind speeds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Weather experts anticipate that the island will experience heavy rainfall from Thursday night into Friday, predicting several inches of rain, with localized accumulations potentially reaching up to 2 feet. AccuWeather’s Lead International Expert Jason Nicholls remarked that wind gusts might reach as high as 150 mph, posing a risk for damaging conditions, coastal flooding, and significant wave activity throughout the region until the cyclone passes.

As the cyclone nears, a visual representation captures the swell along the coast of Reunion, specifically in Saint-Denis, as preparations ramp up for the arrival of Garance. The prefecture has announced a red cyclone alert will commence at 7:00 PM local time on February 27, 2025. If the cyclone continues on its current trajectory, it is expected to pass within 50 kilometers inland during the night of February 27 to 28 or early on the morning of February 28, depending on the cyclone’s status.

Reunion has a complex history with tropical storms, with numerous systems causing damage over the years; however, direct strikes by hurricane-force cyclones are uncommon. Historical severe cyclones in the 19th century led to significant agricultural shifts on the island, transitioning from coffee to sugar cane. The last notable near-misses include Cyclone Fakir in 2018, a Category 1 storm, and Cyclone Bejisa in 2013, classified as Category 3. Notably, the last direct hurricane to impact the island was Cyclone Firinga in 1989, a Category 2 storm, while Cyclone Beryl in 1961 marks the singular other direct hurricane hit recorded.

In summary, Cyclone Garance poses a significant threat to Reunion, with expectations of heavy rainfall and damaging winds that may lead to widespread impacts. The island has a notable history of storms, although direct hits from intense cyclones remain rare. Preparations are underway as residents brace for what could be a record-breaking cyclone event.

Original Source: www.accuweather.com