Meteorological Department warns of Tropical Depression likely to turn into Tropical Cyclone

Maravi Express

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has warned Malawians that there is a Tropical Depression which is an initial stage in the development of a Tropical Cyclone that has developed in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar on Friday, January 21.

The Department reported that as of Saturday, January 22 at 10:00 local time, the Tropical Depression was located over Madagascar Island and was moving at a speed of 37km per hour.

“The depression is expected to enter the Mozambique Channel by midnight of Sunday 23rd January where it is expected to intensify as it continues moving towards Mozambique coast.

“Meanwhile, computer models are indicating that Tropical depression is expected to make a landfall on the Mozambique coast during the early morning of Tuesday 25th January 2022 — the shortest distance along the track to Malawi will be almost 500km.

“At the current position, the tropical depression will partly enhance fairly moist air from the Indian Ocean into Malawi and the impacts will not be significant.

“However, heavy rains exceeding 150mm in a day and very strong winds exceeding 80km/hour in some areas are expected over southern Malawi starting from Monday 24th January 2022.”

The Department further warns that “damaging winds and flooding are likely to occur which may lead to downing of trees and power lines, as well as some structural damage”.

“Given the recent heavy rains and flash flooding in the southern Region, this tropical system can renew flash flooding or lead to new flooding concerns across the region.”

Meanwhile, the Department assures Malawians that it will continue to monitor the movement and strength of Tropical Depression and any possible impacts on Malawi weather will be communicated accordingly.

For further information, the Department urges the public to contact its Director through P.O. Box 1808, Blantyre or phone on +265 882 266 579; WhatsApp: +265 995 155 050 and Fax: (265) -1- 822 215.

The public can also email the Department through metdept@metmalawi.gov.mw. Its website is: www.metmalawi.gov.mw and Facebook is: https://www.facebook.com/malawi.weather.