Tracking Tropical Cyclone Jude: Formation and Implications

Tropical Cyclone Jude formed in the Mozambique Channel with wind speeds of 63 mph. It poses a risk of inland flash flooding. Cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, including Jude, spin clockwise and occur from late October to May, peaking in late February to early March.

Tropical Cyclone Jude emerged in the Mozambique Channel on Sunday morning, Central Africa Time, as confirmed by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. It recorded sustained wind speeds of up to 63 miles per hour.

The cyclone poses a risk of flash flooding, which can occur far from the storm’s center, impacting inland areas. Even less powerful storms can unleash significant rainfall, leading to potential flooding in low-lying regions.

In the Southern Hemisphere, tropical cyclones are a rarity, constituting only about a quarter of all such storms globally. The terminology varies; storms reaching wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or higher are classified as hurricanes in the Atlantic but are referred to as cyclones here. A distinctive feature of Southern Hemisphere cyclones is their clockwise rotation, in contrast to the counterclockwise spin of hurricanes.

Cyclones tend to affect eastern Africa, especially Madagascar, and also pose a threat to the western, northern, and eastern coasts of Australia and neighboring islands. The cyclone season in this region contradicts global trends, usually starting in late October and lasting until May, with peak activity often observed in late February and early March.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has formed with significant wind speeds, bringing concern over potential inland flooding. While cyclones are less common in the Southern Hemisphere, they represent a notable weather phenomenon, impacting several regions. The cyclone season here runs from late October to May, peaking around February and March.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com