Torrential rain pounded parts of Madagascar Thursday as Tropical Cyclone Irina skirted its west coast.
There were no reports of injury or serious damage.
Serious flooding and wind damage will remain threats to Madagascar through Friday as Irina continues drifting southward over the Mozambique Channel.
Moreover, a forecast turn to the southwest could eventually lead to a direct strike upon the African coast in southern Mozambique.
The track over warm, open water would allow significant intensification.
Thursday, Irina's highest sustained winds were estimated at 60 to 65 mph, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said. The cyclone's center was within 60 miles to the west of Morondava, moving southward at about 15 mph, according to the JTWC.
Friday, the center of Irina is forecast by the JTWC to pull away from southwestern Madagascar as it takes on a progressively more westerly heading.
Forecast tools accessed by AccuWeather.com meteorologists are in overall agreement with official storm forecasts, such as the JTWC and the Tropical Cyclone Center of Reunion.
Barring an unforeseen shift to the east, any widespread wind damage in Madagascar should be confined to the southwestern coast nearest the cyclone's direct path.
However, flooding rain could happen almost anywhere on the island. As of Thursday, for instance, the east coast town of Toamasina had already picked up more than 250 mm, or 10 inches, of rain since the start of the week.
The threat of a tropical cyclone landfall in southern Mozambique will grow on Saturday and should happen by Sunday, according to current indications. The area of landfall, which could include the capital, Maputo, will be at risk of flooding rain and damaging wind.
- Accuweather.com
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