Tracking Tropical Cyclone Jude: Impacts and Seasonal Insights

Tropical Cyclone Jude has formed in the Mozambique Channel with winds of 63 mph. Flash flooding risks exist inland. Only a quarter of tropical cyclones occur in the Southern Hemisphere, where they are called cyclones. The cyclone season runs from late October to May, with peak activity in late February and early March.

Tropical Cyclone Jude formed in the Mozambique Channel on a recent Sunday morning, as reported by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The cyclone boasts sustained wind speeds of 63 miles per hour. Flash flooding is possible, even far from the storm’s center, with weaker storms also capable of generating excessive rainfall that may inundate low-lying areas.

It is noteworthy that only approximately one-fourth of the world’s tropical cyclones occur in the Southern Hemisphere. In this region, storms with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater are categorized as cyclones instead of hurricanes, which are the term used in the Atlantic. Distinctly, cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere rotate clockwise, contrasting with the counterclockwise spin of hurricanes.

Cyclones have the potential to impact eastern Africa, particularly Madagascar, alongside the coasts of Australia and neighboring island nations in the western, northern, and eastern regions. The cyclone season in the Southern Hemisphere operates on an opposite schedule, typically commencing in late October and continuing through May. While regional peaks in activity may vary, they are generally highest in late February and early March.

Tropical Cyclone Jude, which recently formed in the Mozambique Channel, presents risks of flash flooding and hazardous weather conditions. The Southern Hemisphere’s approach to tropical cyclones differs from that in the Atlantic, with distinct rotational patterns and classifications. Understanding the geographical impact and seasonal dynamics of these storms is crucial for preparedness and response.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com