Cyclone Garance has formed in the Indian Ocean with winds of 121 mph, classifying it as a Category 3 hurricane. Cyclones spin clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and pose risks to regions such as Madagascar and Australia. The cyclone season begins in late October, peaking in late February and early March.
Tropical Cyclone Garance has emerged in the Indian Ocean, as reported by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The cyclone exhibits sustained winds of 121 miles per hour, categorizing it as a Category 3 hurricane if it were located in the Atlantic Ocean. In the Southern Hemisphere, storms with such wind speeds are designated as cyclones instead of hurricanes.
Cyclones are relatively uncommon as only about 25% of the Earth’s tropical cyclones develop in the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike hurricanes that rotate counterclockwise, cyclones spin clockwise. These weather phenomena pose significant risks, particularly to eastern Africa, including Madagascar, as well as to the northern, western, and eastern coasts of Australia and nearby islands.
The cyclone season in the Southern Hemisphere initiates in late October and extends through May, opposing the cyclone season in the Northern Hemisphere. The highest activity periods differ by region, although peak cyclone occurrences typically arise in late February and early March.
In summary, Cyclone Garance highlights the dynamics of tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, which occur less frequently compared to the Northern Hemisphere. With wind speeds qualifying it as a Category 3 hurricane, this cyclone demonstrates significant potential for impact in various regions. Understanding cyclone formation and behavior is essential for effective preparedness and response efforts in affected areas.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
