The Cyclone season appears to be far from over – but we have been fortunate so far not experiencing the disastrous effect of a full blown cyclone like they have in other parts of the world.
However, our latest ‘lady’ IRINA that developed over the northern part of Madagascar a few days ago, is moving South West at present and the SAWS has also issued a warning that it may actually cause heavy rain over Swaziland by Saturday (the 3rd) and may continue to cause rain over Mpumalanga and over the northern parts of KZN.
We have been following the path of Irina now since Monday and although it seems to have rained itself out over the Indian Ocean, the possibility does exist that she may gather strength when closing in on Mozambique and Swaziland.
It is difficult to asses the strength of the cyclone at this stage but I think by the time this report is published, we will have a better idea of the path Irina is following and her intensity
Should she head inland we suggest that from Nelspruit down to Piet Retief, Mtubatuba, Richards Bay and possibly lower down may get some heavier than normal rainfall.
We do not anticipate another cyclone Demoina type situation at this stage but we should be prepared for heavy rain when she heads inland. I would therefore suggest we come up on 7,110 MHz on Sunday and possibly Monday to check on the situation.
We will also keep you updated on the Hamnet, SAWDIS1 and the Kobus Botha websites which are currently being updated at least 4 times an hour! Should the situation deteriorate, a bulk activation emergency SMS will be sent out!
There is yet another cyclone numbered ‘15’ developing out in the Indian Ocean and currently heading toward Reunion and the other smaller islands east of Madagascar.
Not much is known about this tropical storm at this stage and until it gets a name, we will keep a close watch on this one as well.
Reporting for Hamnet, this is Francois Botha – ZS6BUU.
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