Tropical Cyclone Berguitta: Britons warned as most severe category storm to hit Mauritius
TROPICAL Cyclone Berguitta is set to bring dangerous wind, rain and sea conditions to Mauritius. sparking warnings for British visitors to the Indian Ocean island nation.
Timelapse shows Cyclone Berguitta moving across Mauritius
The powerful storm will roar past Mauritius, as well as the island of Reunion, on Wednesday and Thursday.
And the tropical cyclone could even develop into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane - although the term is only used when referring to storms in the Atlantic or northern Pacific.
Rainfall could reach up to 12 inches across the islands with dangerous flash floods possible.
READ MORE: Tropical Cyclone Berguitta - When will it hit Mauritius?
Tropical Cyclone Berguitta is set to batter Mauritius
Berguitta may reach the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane
Mudslides are often a danger across mountainous regions of Mauritius and Reunion.
Winds could reach 100 miles per hour, a ferocious speed which could pose danger to property and life.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nichol said: “Berguitta may reach the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic or east Pacific oceans.
Tropical Cyclone Berguitta has sparked weather warning for Mauritius visitors
“The storm will batter the islands with the most widespread damaging winds and flooding rains on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Depending on how far west Berguitta tracks, squally rains, some heavy, could impact southeast Madagascar on Friday, bringing the risk of flash flooding.”
READ MORE: Tropical Storm Berguitta path LIVE
Tropical Cyclone Berguitta will roar past Mauritius and Reunion
Around 140,000 British tourists visit the island every year and an alert has now been issued for any tourists visiting.
The UK Foreign Office has warned: “Tropical Cyclone Berguitta is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to Mauritius from around 17 January 2018.
“You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”