Friday 15 February 2008

Hurricane update - 15 February

Down under, Western Australia is bracing itself for the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Nicholas, which could turn out to be a category 3 hurricane (on the Saffir Simpson scale for those in the know) with winds of 100 knots / 115 mph by the time it makes landfall. People between Port Hedland and Karratha or Mardie should particularly be concerned. Nicholas has behaved in the usual way for a tropical cyclone - totally unpredictable.

Madagascar should also get very worried, with Tropical Cyclone Ivan bearing down on its northern provinces. Ivan will be of comparable strength to Nicholas when it strikes land, i.e. winds of 100 knots or thereabouts. Madagascar is a poor nation, and I have learned in the 18 months I've been hurricane hunting that the dissemination of information on tropical cyclones is very sparse. If anyone has any connections in the region, please spread the word.

1 comment:

  1. <<sigh>> Just don't know what to say.  Wicked weather sure can be cruel.
    Ang

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