Rainfall expected to intensify when Cyclone Freddy makes landfall

Rainfall is expected to “re-intensify” on Friday in the northeast of the country when Cyclone Freddy makes landfall over Southern Mozambique and parts of South Africa, the South African Weather Services (SAWS) announced.

Madagascar – 21 February 2023: Tropical Cyclone Freddy makes landfall in Madagascar. (Photo by Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2023)

Cyclone Freddy made landfall in Madagascar on Tuesday 21 February, with wind speeds of 150 km/h and gusts up to 180 km/h.

‘The relatively compact storm was a low-end category 2 tropical cyclone just before making landfall,’ SAWS stated.

‘“Freddy” weakened significantly due to the rugged terrain it encountered and was downgraded to an overland depression during the evening. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) designated Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) located at La Reunion, forecasts that “Freddy” will continue in a west-south-westerly direction over the next few days, regaining its strength this evening as it moves into the Mozambique Channel’

“Freddy” may yet again reach near tropical cyclone status by Thursday evening while heading to southern Mozambique, bringing very heavy rainfall in the order of 200 to 400 mm possible, and this may result in widespread significant flooding.

‘The districts in question are Vhembe and Mopani in Limpopo, and to a slightly lesser extent, Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga. This, after significant flooding occurred over the Lowveld and escarpment areas (such as the Kruger National Park) the last few weeks may be catastrophic and cause prolonged and severe impacts,’ SAWS concluded.

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