Cyclone Berguitta track: Latest models shows cyclone on DIRECT path to Mauritius
THE latest weather models show Cyclone Berguitta is now heading straight for the paradise island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
Tropical Cyclone Berguitta heads for Brit favourite holiday spots
The category three cyclone is on track to strike the centre of Mauritius mid-morning local time tomorrow before going on to hit La Reunion island.
The latest models show that Madagascar will escape the worst of the storm because the cyclone will curve away into the Indian Ocean.
A cyclone warning class III has been issued in Mauritius as the island braces for up to 75mph winds and dangerous storm surge.
The GEFS map below shows that there is high certainty of the cyclone battering Madagascar and La Reunion island on its destructive path.
Mauritius Meteorological Services’ latest cyclone bulletin told the people of Mauritius “to complete all precautions and to stay safe”.
As of 4pm local time, almost 1pm GMT, the storm was located at about 240 km to the North-East of Mauritius and was moving in a general West-South-Westerly direction at a speed of about 7 km/h.
The bulletin said: “On this trajectory, the centre of severe tropical storm 'BERGUITTA' continues to approach Mauritius dangerously and may pass very close to the island tomorrow around mid-morning.”
It warned the public to complete safety precautions and said gusts hitting could be expected by Wednesday evening, causing rough sea conditions.
The map above shows that the wind danger area only just brushes the edge of Madagascar, which is located off the southeast coast of Africa.
The Airport of Mauritius said the airport would be closed from 7 a.m. (0300 GMT) until further notice. The country's main port was also closed.
Port Louis Harbour is the country's principal gateway and handles about 99 percent of the total volume of external trade.
All strategic imports, such as food and petroleum products, and raw materials for the textile industry, as well as major exports such as sugar and textile transit through the harbour.
Cyclone Hollanda killed two people, destroyed 450 homes and caused $135 million in damage when it hit Mauritius in February 1994.
BBC Weather said: “Tropical Cyclone Berguitta heading for Mauritius & La Reunion. The eye is expected to cross over both islands directly on Thu.
“This is unusual and statistically happens very rarely. Last cyclone to directly hit #Mauritius was Claudette 1979.”
Meteorologist Philip Klotzbach yesterday tweeted: “Tropical Cyclone Berguitta has now reached major hurricane strength as it heads southwest towards Mauritius.”