Cyclone Garance is set to impact Reunion, marking potentially the island’s first hurricane-force cyclone in 36 years. Meteo France has issued a red warning as the cyclone brings heavy rains and high winds. With conditions worsen expected, local authorities have initiated cyclone alerts for residents, marking a significant weather event on the island.
Tropical Cyclone Garance is on a collision course with Reunion, the French island in the southern Indian Ocean, which could see its first hurricane-force cyclone in 36 years. With a population of approximately 900,000, Reunion has already experienced high waves and winds, prompting Meteo France to issue a red warning as the cyclone approaches.
As of Thursday evening, Cyclone Garance has been characterized as an “intense cyclone,” with winds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Expert meteorologist Jason Nicholls highlights that heavy rain is expected from Thursday night into Friday, with potential localized rainfall accumulation of up to 2 feet.
Wind gusts may reach 150 mph, likely causing significant damage, while coastal flooding and high seas are anticipated until the storm passes. A red cyclone alert has been established for the island, beginning on the evening of February 27, 2025.
The prefecture has indicated that if Cyclone Garance maintains its current path, it could pass less than 50 kilometers inland, likely between the evening of February 27 and the early morning of February 28. Historical records show that direct hits by hurricane-force cyclones are infrequent on Reunion, with the last such event being Cyclone Firinga in 1989.
Throughout its history, Reunion has faced many tropical storms, leading to devastating effects that have altered its agricultural focus from coffee to sugar cane. Notably, Cyclone Bejisa in 2013 and Cyclone Fakir in 2018 were significant near-misses but did not directly impact the island with hurricane-force winds.
In summary, Cyclone Garance poses a severe threat to Reunion, with meteorological experts warning of potential heavy rains, damaging winds, and significant flooding. Historically, the island has been spared from hurricane-force cyclones for decades, making Garance a notable event. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow safety protocols established by local authorities as the cyclone approaches.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
