Weather Alert UPDATE: Tropical Cyclone Freddy

Location: Mozambique

Event: Officials report Tropical Cyclone Freddy made its first landfall in Madagascar and is now tracking westward towards the Mozambican channel.

The cyclone is expected to gradually intensify before making a second landfall over Mozambique’s Inhambane Province with wind speeds of approximately 65 mph on February 24, according to Meteo France. After making landfall, the storm is expected to weaken and dissipate as it moves westward over South Africa and Zimbabwe.

According to officials, the expected arrival of Tropical Cyclone Freddy coincides with a second weather system, arriving from South Africa. Severe storm-induced rainfall in central and southern Mozambique is expected to contribute to rising water levels in affected areas, particularly in the Limpopo and Incomati rivers located in Gaza and Maputo provinces.

The Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) indicates that hazard levels for extreme rainfall and flooding are expected in Mozambique’s Maputo City, as well as Maputo, Gaza, and Inhambane provinces.

As of February 18, all river basins in Mozambique were above threshold levels, exposing nearby populations to potential flood risks as heavy rainfall accompanies the passage of Freddy, according to the UN. Between February 22 and 26, national authorities anticipate high flood risks in central Mozambique from rising water levels in the Zambeze, Savane, Pungue, and Buzi river basins, as well as moderate-to-high risks of flooding from watersheds of the Limpopo, Incomati, and Umbeluzi rivers in southern areas of the country.

Actions to Take:

Consider the possibility of being at home with no electricity and water. Ensure you have sufficient provisions and medications on hand.
Monitor the local news for updates.
Seek secure shelter.
Follow directions from local officials and take other appropriate actions as needed.
Visit the Tropical Storm Risk, National Meteorological Institute, Joint Typhoon Warning Center, National Hurricane Center, National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, Meteo France for updated storm tracking information.