Tropical Cyclone Funso a danger to Mozambique: What path will the cyclone follow?

Image: NOAA18  25 Januarie 2012  02h06 SAST (Nic Cronje, Nelspruit) 

Powerful, slow moving and dangerous Tropical Cyclone Funso (Category 4 Storm) has continued to lash central Mozambique with flooding, heavy rain and damaging winds and it is expected to continue as the outflow of the cyclone drifts over parts of Mozambique.

At least 25 people in Mozambique have been killed, and thousands of people left their homes in the wake of recent storms.

What path will the cyclone follow?


Funso is an intense, slow-moving storm since forming off central Mozambique in the Mozambique Channel. The storm continues to move over open water in the southern part of the Mozambique Channel. It is currently drifting slightly southward. Official forecasts aim Funso southward, steering it well clear of both southeastern Africa and southwestern Madagascar during the next three to four days but since cyclones can change direction fairly quickly there is always the possibility that it can move towards land.

Image: U.S. National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Period: 26 - 27 January 2012

The latest forecast models show that strong gusting winds with very high seas and heavy rain are expected along the coast of Mozambique lasting until Sunday. Heavy rain and flooding is currently forecasted for parts of Mozambique and will last until Sunday, 29 January 2012. Strong gusty winds and very high seas can also be expected along the Kwazulu Natal coast. Light rain can be expected along the coastal areas of Northern Kwazulu Natal. At this stage there is no indication that this cyclone will bring heavy rain and flooding to South Africa.

PLEASE NOTE: Tropical Cyclone Funso is still a powerful, dangerous cyclone over water. There is always a chance that the cyclone can move towards land. The SAWDOS is monintoring the path of the cyclone and will inform our readers of any change in direction and intensity.

- SAWDOS