Cyclone Garance Approaches Reunion: A Historic Weather Event

Intense Cyclone Garance is approaching Reunion, expected to make landfall as a hurricane-force cyclone. A red warning has been issued due to high winds and waves. Anticipated heavy rainfall may reach 2 feet in some areas, with gusts of up to 150 mph, posing a threat of damage and flooding.

Cyclone Garance is rapidly approaching the French island of Reunion and is set to become the first hurricane-force cyclone to impact the area in 36 years. The storm is currently categorized as an intense cyclone with winds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane, according to Meteo France. As the storm approaches, meteorological officials have issued a red warning due to high waves and destructive winds already affecting the island.

The cyclone is expected to bring significant rainfall, with forecasts indicating several inches could accumulate, and in localized areas, totals may reach 2 feet. AccuWeather’s Lead International Expert, Jason Nicholls, highlighted that wind gusts could reach up to 150 mph, leading to potential damage, coastal flooding, and hazardous sea conditions until the storm has passed.

Reunion Island is home to approximately 900,000 residents and measures about the size of Rhode Island. The prefecture announced that a red cyclone alert will be in effect starting on the evening of February 27, 2025, when cyclone Garance is anticipated to make landfall. If it maintains its current course, it will pass less than 50 kilometers inland during the evening of February 27 into the morning of February 28.

Historically, Reunion has experienced numerous tropical storms, though it has seen few direct hits from hurricane-force cyclones. Significant cyclones in 1806 and 1807 resulted in changes to the island’s agricultural focus, shifting from coffee production to sugar cane. The last direct impact from a hurricane-force cyclone was Cyclone Firinga in 1989, prior to which Cyclone Beryl struck in 1961.

Cyclone Garance is poised to strike Reunion, being categorized as an intense cyclone with hurricane-level winds. Authorities have issued warnings about heavy rain and high winds, predicting significant flooding and property damage. The storm’s impending arrival marks a rare event for the island, drawing attention to its cyclone history and vulnerability.

Original Source: www.accuweather.com