Réunion Island Breaks Rainfall Records in February Storms

Réunion Island has gained attention for its record-setting rainfall, particularly during February 1964 and 2007. Cyclone Giselle produced unprecedented levels of precipitation, with notable amounts recorded at various intervals. The island’s unique terrain and geographical setting contribute to its heavy rainfall, making it a distinct location for such extreme weather events.

Réunion Island, positioned in the southern Indian Ocean, achieved remarkable rainfall records during the last week of February from two distinct storms. From February 28 to 29, 1964, Cyclone Giselle, classified as a Category 1 storm, impacted the island, leading to extraordinary rainfall values registered at the Belouve reporting station. Notably, it recorded 30.16 inches in 6 hours, 42.79 inches in 9 hours, 52.76 inches in 12 hours, and 66.49 inches in 18.5 hours, setting several world records as acknowledged by weather historian Christopher Burt.

Such precipitation amounts are nearly equivalent to what Miami typically receives in an entire year, which averages 67.41 inches, condensed into less than a 24-hour period. Additionally, 18 years ago, from February 24 to 27, 2007, Réunion Island experienced another deluge, with the Cratère Commerson station measuring 154.72 inches of rain in 72 hours and 194.33 inches in 96 hours. These figures remain recognized as world records according to the World Meteorological Organization.

The island’s prolific rainfall can be attributed to its geographical location within the South Indian Ocean tropical cyclone pathway, intensified by the terrain characterized by volcanic peaks, with one surpassing 10,000 feet. The presence of moist winds from slow-moving storms, including tropical cyclones, is significantly heightened by the island’s steep topography, further exacerbating rainfall rates.

This segment initially appeared in the latest issue of the Morning Brief newsletter. Readers are encouraged to sign up for weekday updates from The Weather Channel, delivered by their team of meteorologists. Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at weather.com, has been documenting national and international weather events since 1996, with a particular interest in extreme and unusual weather phenomena. For further engagement, one may contact him via Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.

In conclusion, Réunion Island has set numerous world records for rainfall, most notably during Cyclone Giselle in 1964 and in 2007. Its unique geographical features and location in a cyclone-prone area contribute significantly to its extreme weather patterns. The island’s able to capture substantial amounts of moisture from storms, leading to extraordinary rainfall that surpasses average annual totals in just a matter of hours.

Original Source: weather.com