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Tropical Cyclone “Enawo” threatens Madagascar

tropical-cyclone-enawo-madagascar-march-3-2017

Tropical Cyclone "Enawo" has formed in the South Indian Ocean on March 3, 2017 and is now rapidly strengthening on its way toward Madagascar. Although the exact location is still unknown, it is possible Enawo will make landfall over northeastern Madagascar as an intense tropical cyclone (Category 3 or 4 hurricane equivalent) early Monday, March 6, 2017, and continue its track southward across the country.

At 21:00 UTC on March 3, Tropical Cyclone 09S (Enawo) was located approximately 785 km (487 miles) north of Port Louis, Mauritius, and has tracked southwestward at 5.5 km/h (3.4 mph) over the past six hours, according to the JTWC.

Animated enhanced infrared satellite imagery indicates building convection with increasing symmetry over a rapidly developing low level circulation center.

At the time, Enawo's maximum sustained winds were 83 km/h (52 mph) with gusts to 101.8 km/h (63 mph).

The ECMWF model is forecasting a strong ridge to take Enawo westward into Madagascar, while the majority of the guidance forecasts a weaker ridge scenario, with Enawo tracking southwestward along the western periphery.

Read more: Enawo will hit Madagascar with powerful winds and heavy rain (Update, March 6, 2017)

Tropical Cyclone Enawo - GEFT - Tracks and Minimum MSLP

Credit: TropicalTidbits

In either case, rapid strengthening is expected over the next 72 hours as environmental conditions continue to improve.

Tropical Cyclone Enawo forecast track by JTWC at 18:00 UTC on March 3, 2017

Credit: UW-CIMSS

Enawo is expected to reach Category 4 hurricane equivalent before it makes landfall, and bring devastating winds to Madagascar's coastline. Life-threatening flooding and wind gusts in excess of 160 km/h (100 mph) can be expected.

In this scenario (Category 4 landfall), well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

After landfall, Enawo is expected to continue southward across Madagascar.

Tropical Cyclone Enawo forecast track by RSMC La Reunion - March 3, 2017

Tropical Cyclone Enawo - Satellite image by Suomi NPP on March 3, 2017

Tropical Cyclone "Enawo" on March 3, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS

Updates

March 4

At 12:00 UTC, the center of Tropical Cyclone "Enawo" was located about 694 km (431 miles) east of Antahala and 1 132 km (703 miles) north-northeast of capital Antananarivo, Madagascar. Its minimum estimated central pressure was 990 hPa.

The cyclone had maximum winds of 83 km (61.5 mph), but rapid intensification is expected over the next 48 hours, peaking at 204 km/h (126 mph).

Tropical Cyclone Enawo forecast track by RSMC La Reunion on March 4, 2017

Tropical Cyclone "Enawo" on March 4, 2017. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS

JTWC said 09:00 UTC today that the available numeric guidance members are in general agreement with the track towards Madagascar with some spread in the track and timing of eventual westward motion.

"ECMWF is notably the westward outlier favoring a strong subtropical ridge. In view of there, there is an overall low confidence in the JTWC forecast track," the agency said.

Tropical Cyclone Enawo forecast track by JTWC on March 4, 2017

Tropical Cyclone "Enawo" forecast track by JTWC at 09:00 UTC on March 4, 2017

March 6

Enawo is expected to make landfall over SE Antsiranana Province, Madagascar shortly after 10:00 local time (07:00 UTC) on March 7, 2017. The system is expected to reach the coast as Category 2 hurricane equivalent. Winds produced by Enawo at the time of landfall can cause extensive damage. In addition, Enawo is bringing heavy rain which could cause major flooding and landslides.

Read more: Enawo will hit Madagascar with powerful winds and heavy rain

Featured image credit: Tropical Cyclone "Enawo" forecast track by JTWC at 09:00 UTC, March 4. Credit: UW-CIMSS

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