Tropical storm could hit northern Madagascar
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Midi Madagasikara
A disturbed area north-east of Madagascar, accompanied by winds of 45 km/h, could strengthen into a tropical storm and reach the coast of the SAVA region on Sunday. The SAVA and DIANA regions must also contend with heavy rain and high swells, according to Météo Madagascar.
At 10am yesterday, the disturbed area being monitored north-east of Madagascar was 733 km north-east of Antalaha, with winds of 45 km/h under the thunderstorm. Météo Madagascar forecasts that it will continue moving south-west over the next 24 hours before heading north-east towards the coast of the SAVA region on Sunday.
An intensification to tropical storm strength remains possible, while forecasters on neighbouring islands are considering a moderate tropical storm over the weekend, which would be named Bertrand. The SAVA and DIANA regions could be affected on Sunday night into Monday, while heavy rain and deteriorating weather conditions are already threatening coastal areas, according to Météo Madagascar.
Météo Madagascar has not yet issued a cyclone alert for the system. Warnings for heavy rain and high swells are nevertheless expected in the coming days, while maritime users and residents of SAVA and DIANA are urged to follow weather bulletins and instructions from local authorities.
