Philippines - Tropical Cyclone MEKKHALA

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 04:44:00 +01:00

Tropical Storm MEKKHALA (called "AMANG" in the Philippines) continues moving west over the Philippine Sea, intensifying. On 16 January, 0.00 UTC, it had maximum sustained wind speed of 74km/h and its centre was located over sea, approximately 600km east of Eastern Samar in Visayas.
Over the next 24h, MEKKHALA is forecast to continue its westward track, approaching the island of Samar in the morning of 17 January (UTC). After 17 January, MEKKHALA will probably turn north-west across central-northern Philippines, although its forecast track is still uncertain. It is expected to weaken into a tropical depression.
As of 16 January, PAGASA has issued a Public Storm Warning Signal for parts of Luzon and Visayas, as heavy rainfall and strong winds may affect the areas along the path of MEKKHALA.

Mauritius - Tropical cyclone BANSI

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 02:16:00 +01:00

Tropical Cyclone BANSI moved east-southeast over the south-western Indian Ocean on 12 January, significantly strengthening, becoming a very intense Tropical Cyclone. On 12 January at 18.00 UTC it had max. sustained winds of 241 km/h and its centre was located over water, approx. 250 km north of the island of Mauritius.
In the next 24 h it is forecast to continue moving east-southeast, over sea, intensifying and its center may pass between Mauritius and Rodrigues on 15 January. Strong winds and heavy rains may affect the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues on 14-16 January.
As of 13 January early morning, a Cyclone Warning Class II is in effect for Mauritius (Meteorological Service of Mauritius).

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 04:13:00 +01:00

Tropical Cyclone BANSI formed in the south-west Indian Ocean on 11 January. At 18.00 UTC on the same day, it had maximum sustained wind speed of 121km/h and its centre was located over sea, approximately 413km north-west of Mauritius and 420km north of La Reunion. Although the uncertainty of its forecast track is still high, over the next 24h BANSI will probably move south-east, closer to Mauritius than to La Reunion, and will remain over sea, intensifying.
As of 12 January early morning, the Meteorological Service of Mauritius has issued a class 2 alert for the island, as BANSI is expected to affect it with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Tromelin island, approximately 150km north-west from the centre of the Tropical cyclone, has already been affected by heavy rainfall, with 86mm recorded in 24h, over 11-12 January.