The tropical depression which was evolving to the north-east coast of Madagascar intensified into a moderate tropical storm last night at 22h00 and was named ‘ELEANOR’.
Latest satellite images indicate more organized convective clouds in the vicinity of the system which is now to the North-North-West of St Brandon Island.
At 10h00 today, it was centered near latitude 14.0 degrees south and longitude 58.4 degrees east, that is at a distance of about 290 km to the North-North-West of St Brandon. It is moving in a general Easterly direction at a speed of about 12 km/h. Most weather models are intensifying the system while moving initially towards the north east.
It is likely that ELEANOR will reach severe tropical storm intensity tonight. The system is expected to re-curve towards the South tonight and dangerously approach St Brandon. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding the intensity and movement of the system.
Weather Outlook valid till Wednesday 21 February 2024:
Cloudy to overcast with heavy thundery showers.
Wind initially blowing from the East will strengthen with a speed of 60 to 80 km/h in the mean. Cyclonic conditions may prevail as from this evening with gusts of 130 km/h to 140 km/h. The system is expected to pass less than 50 km East of St Brandon tomorrow during the day.
Sea will become gradually high with swells. The wave height is expected to be 6 to 8 metres as from tonight. Storm surges may affect the islets.
Precautions to be taken:
ventures at sea and near the shore are strictly not advised.
