Tropical Cyclone Chido: A Historic Weather Event Strikes Agalega and Moves Toward Major Landfall
Tropical Cyclone Chido, the strongest in over 50 years, struck Agalega on December 12, rapidly intensifying before making landfall. Expected to approach Mayotte and Mozambique, it poses significant risks of severe weather, including high winds and heavy rainfall, as it moves through the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a formidable weather event in the Southwest Indian Ocean, striking Agalega, Mauritius, as the most powerful cyclone to affect the island in over 50 years. Forming on December 10, 2024, Chido intensified swiftly, with wind speeds escalating from 111 km/h (69 mph) to an impressive 222 km/h (138 mph) within a 24-hour period, before making landfall on December 12.
In its wake, Chido is projected to skirt past northern Madagascar on December 13, approaching Mayotte and Mozambique where its impact is anticipated over the weekend. The cyclone has been categorized as a category 4-equivalent storm, becoming the strongest cyclone to hit Agalega since 1983, when Cyclone Andry devastated the area.
Chido displayed a remarkably compact structure with an eye measuring just 11 km (7 miles) in width surrounded by intense convection. The cyclone’s projected path indicates it will brush against northern Madagascar late Friday and could potentially make landfall near Nacala, Mozambique, on December 15. Despite expectations of weakening as it encounters cooler sea temperatures, Chido is forecasted to retain significant strength as it approaches Mayotte.
The current forecast anticipates maximum sustained winds of 130-150 km/h (80-95 mph) by the time of landfall. As of December 12, the cyclone was situated approximately 920 km (570 miles) ENE of Mayotte, with a central pressure of 936 hPa. Weather conditions across Madagascar and Mayotte are expected to deteriorate due to the cyclone’s proximity, resulting in heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated through their national meteorological services regarding eventual safety measures and forecasts.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is a significant weather event characterized by its rapid intensification and formidable wind speeds. It poses a serious threat to several island nations and coastal regions in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Cyclones of this magnitude create widespread impacts including heavy rainfall, storm surges, and potential destruction of infrastructure, necessitating close monitoring and preparedness from meteorological authorities and local governments.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents one of the most powerful cyclones to affect the Agalega Islands in recent history, with implications for northern Madagascar, Mayotte, and Mozambique. The cyclone’s rapid intensification raises concerns for affected communities due to expected severe weather conditions. Continued vigilance and adherence to official weather advisories are crucial as the cyclone approaches these regions.
Original Source: watchers.news
