Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has warned of a weather system approximately 963 miles east of Cairns, Australia which is growing in strength. The weather system has been described by the JTWC as “broad but well organised…with a flaring expansive deep convection over the centre.” Global models show that the system is on an eastward trajectory, with development in the next 24-48 hours.
This system has winds of 23 to 28mph (20 to 25 knots) and the JTWC has upgraded the likelihood of it becoming a significant tropical cyclone to medium.
There is a second weather system also churning in the South Pacific, which according to the latest update from the JTWC is located 332 miles east of Navi, Fiji.
Global models show this system is on a southwards track and will continue to develop and re-align itself to the west after interacting with the first system.
Each tropical cyclone year within the Pacific basin starts on July 1, and runs throughout the year, including the tropical cyclone season which runs from 1 November and lasts until 30 April each season.
Read More: Mauritius cyclone tracker: SHOCK map shows EYE of barreling cyclone
Residents of the island fled to evacuation shelters, as widespread power outages impacted a staggering 90 percent of the island.
Widespread flooding, downed trees and damage to homes have all been reported due to Cyclone Gelena – but luckily no fatalities or injuries.
An island-wide clean-up operation has begun after the 109mph winds smashed into Rodrigues.
The cyclone has now moved away from the Indian Ocean island nation and weakened significantly – losing cyclone status.
There is a history of tropical cyclones affecting northeastern Australia for over 5000 years.
Over the weekend, a cyclone wreaked havoc across the islands of Mauritius, with hurricane-force winds and powerful storm surge on Rodrigues Island.
However, weather on the islands could remain influenced by the weather system, with the Mauritius Meteorological Services warning: “Cloud bands associated with Gelena will continue to influence the local weather giving passing showers mainly on the high grounds and wind facing slopes.
Read More: Mauritius cyclone spaghetti models: SHOCK chart shows Cyclone Gelena
“Wind will blow from the south-west at a speed of 30 to 40 km/h (18.6 to 24.8mph) with gusts of the order of 80 km/h (49.7mph) at first and weakening gradually.
“Seas will remain high with heavy swells.
“High waves resulting from the action of storm surge and strong wind are likely to inundate the southern and southwestern coast.
“The public in Rodrigues are strongly advised not go out at sea until the all clear advice from the concerned authorities.”