Intense Tropical Cyclone Bejisa approaching Reunion and Mauritius

At 21:00 UTC on January 1, 2014 Tropical Cyclone "Bejisa", was located approximately 136 NM (251 km) northwest of St. Denis, La Reunion, and has tracked south- southeastward at 08 KT (14 km/h, 9.2 mph) over the past six hours. It is expected to struck La Reunion on January 2 at about 12:00 UTC. Hit to Mauritius is expected on January 3 at about 06:00 UTC.

According to GDACS up to 100 000 people people can be affected by wind speeds of cyclone strength or above. In addition, <1000 people people are living in coastal areas below 5m and can therefore be affected by storm surge.

In next 12 hours, Bejisa is expected to reach its peak intensity of 110 KT (203 km/h – Category 3) as favorable environmental conditions persist. After that, cooling sea temperatures and increasing vertical wind shear will gradually weaken the system with a more rapid weakening expected by 12:00 UTC on December 3.

According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm of Bejisa's strength (Category 2) at landfall includes: Storm surge generally 1.8-2.4 metres (6-8 feet) above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the storm center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings. There is also the potential for flooding further inland due to heavy rain.

TC Bejisa – Acquired January 1, 2014. Image credit: NASA Terra / MODIS. Edit: The Watchers

TC Bejisa – Forecast track warning. Image credit: JTWC

TC Bejisa infrared NHC enhancement. On January 1, 2014 at 23-:30 UTC. Image credit: uw-cimss

TC Bejisa – IR imagery. Credit: JTWC / SATOPS

TC Bejisa –  METEOSAT-7 infrared image on January 1, 2014 at 21:00 UTC.

Featured image: NASA Terra / MODIS