Unprecedented Meteorological Event: Six Cyclones Active Simultaneously in Southern Hemisphere
On February 22, six tropical cyclones were simultaneously active in the southern hemisphere, primarily in the southwest Pacific and Indian Oceans. Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred achieved category 4 strength, while Rae and Seru caused significant damage in Fiji. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Bianca and two more storms in the southwest Indian Ocean were also active, emphasizing a rare meteorological phenomenon.
On Tuesday, February 22, an unusual meteorological phenomenon occurred with six named tropical cyclones active simultaneously in the southern hemisphere, clustered in proximity to each other. In the southwest Pacific, three cyclones emerged, with Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred forming in the Coral Sea on February 20. This storm intensified to a category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 105 mph and gusts up to 140 mph, moving southward parallel to Queensland’s coast.
Two additional cyclones, Rae and Seru, developed later in the Pacific. Cyclone Rae originated just north of Fiji on February 22, subsequently moving south and causing significant damage due to heavy rainfall and 100 mph winds. Tropical Cyclone Seru formed on February 24 over the Solomon Islands, tracking southward while remaining offshore but passing near Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Bianca also formed in the Timor Sea from February 18 to 27, achieving a peak intensity equivalent to a category 3 hurricane. It traveled westward and then south without making landfall as it skirted the Australian continent. Additionally, in the southwest Indian Ocean, two cyclones emerged near Madagascar, including the category 3-equivalent Intense Tropical Cyclone Garance and the category 1-equivalent Severe Tropical Storm Honde.
Garance, forming northeast of Madagascar, is set to pass the French island of Réunion with maximum wind gusts of 120 mph and the potential for significant rainfall accumulation. Meanwhile, Cyclone Honde moved southeastward, hugging the southern coast of Madagascar. Although not common, experiencing simultaneous storms is not unprecedented; however, having six storms within a single ocean basin is extremely rare.
The occurrence of six tropical cyclones simultaneously in the southern hemisphere highlights unusual meteorological activity. Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred poses significant risks, while Cyclones Rae and Seru affected Fiji and other regions. Ongoing monitoring by meteorological agencies is crucial as these systems evolve, particularly with the potential impacts on various locations such as Réunion and Madagascar.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
