Tropical Cyclone Garance: A Significant Weather Event in the Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Garance, located in the Indian Ocean, has been classified as a significant weather event with sustained winds of 121 miles per hour. Cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, while less common than in the Northern Hemisphere, can cause substantial impacts on regions such as Madagascar and the coasts of Australia. The cyclone season runs from late October to May, peaking in late February and early March.
Tropical Cyclone Garance was recently reported in the Indian Ocean, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s latest update. The cyclone exhibited sustained wind speeds of 121 miles per hour, indicating that it would classify as a Category 3 hurricane if similarly situated in the Atlantic Ocean.
In the Southern Hemisphere, cyclones represent a rare phenomenon, with only about a quarter of the world’s tropical cyclones occurring there. While storms with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or more are termed hurricanes in the Atlantic, they are referred to as cyclones in this hemisphere. The distinguishing factor is that cyclones spiral clockwise, contrasting the counterclockwise rotation of hurricanes.
Cyclones pose significant threats to regions such as Eastern Africa, notably Madagascar, as well as the western, northern, and eastern coastlines of Australia and its adjacent island nations. The cyclone season in the Southern Hemisphere begins later than in other parts of the world, typically starting in late October and concluding in May, with peak activity generally occurring in late February and early March.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Garance has become a significant weather event in the Indian Ocean, characterized by its formidable wind speeds. Such cyclones, while less frequent, can have profound impacts on various regions during their active season. Understanding the classifications and behaviors of these storms is crucial for preparedness and response efforts.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
