Cyclone Garance: Historic Storm Threatens Reunion Island

Cyclone Garance is expected to strike Reunion Island, the first hurricane-force cyclone in 36 years. With winds reaching Category 3 levels, authorities have issued a red alert citing threats of heavy rain and coastal flooding. The cyclone is poised to impact the island significantly, urging residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.

Tropical Cyclone Garance is poised to strike Reunion Island, marking the first hurricane-force cyclone to impact the area in 36 years. Predicted to follow a trajectory near the French island, which lies in the southern Indian Ocean and is home to approximately 900,000 residents, Meteorological authorities have issued a red alert. This warning emphasizes the risks of high waves and powerful winds already affecting the region.

According to Meteo France, Cyclone Garance reached an “intense cyclone” status, exhibiting wind speeds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. AccuWeather’s Lead International Expert, Jason Nicholls, indicated that the storm will bring substantial rainfall, expected to begin later Thursday night and lasting into Friday, with potential accumulations of up to two feet in localized areas.

Wind gusts could reach 150 mph, posing significant threats of damage, coastal flooding, and severe seas around the island until the storm’s passage. A photograph taken on February 26, 2025, depicts high swells near Saint-Denis as the cyclone approaches. The prefecture announced a red cyclone alert effective from 7 PM on February 27, 2025, with the cyclone expected to pass less than 50 kilometers inland by the evening of February 27 through the morning of February 28.

Reunion has a history of being threatened by numerous tropical storms, but direct hits from hurricane-force cyclones are uncommon. Past severe cyclones, such as those in 1806 and 1807, have historical significance, as they prompted a major shift in the island’s agricultural focus from coffee to sugarcane. Recent close calls include Cyclone Fakir in 2018 and Cyclone Bejisa in 2013, with the last direct hit recorded during Cyclone Firinga in 1989.

Overall, Cyclone Garance presents a significant threat to Reunion Island, necessitating vigilance and preparedness as the situation develops. Residents are urged to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their property as the cyclone approaches.

Cyclone Garance is forecasted to be a historic event for Reunion Island, bringing severe weather including heavy rain, high winds, and the potential for substantial damage. With a red alert issued, authorities and residents must prioritize safety and preparedness. Historical context highlights that while storms have often approached the island, direct hits are relatively rare, emphasizing the seriousness of this situation.

Original Source: www.accuweather.com