Tracking Tropical Cyclone Jude: Formation and Implications

Tropical Cyclone Jude formed in the Mozambique Channel with winds of 63 mph. Cyclones can cause inland flooding, and only a quarter of tropical cyclones occur in the Southern Hemisphere. These cyclones, which spin clockwise, primarily affect eastern Africa and Australia, during a season that runs from late October to May.

Tropical Cyclone Jude emerged in the Mozambique Channel on a Sunday morning, according to reports from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The cyclone recorded sustained wind speeds reaching 63 miles per hour, indicating notable intensity for tracking and monitoring purposes.

Rainfall and flash flooding can occur far from the cyclone’s center, even with weaker storms. Such excessive rainfall poses risks, especially for low-lying areas, highlighting the importance of comprehensive impact assessments during storm events.

In the Southern Hemisphere, only about 25% of the world’s tropical cyclones form, differentiating them from Atlantic hurricanes, which are classified with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. Notably, Southern Hemisphere cyclones spin clockwise, contrary to the counterclockwise rotation of hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere.

The potential impact zones of cyclones include eastern Africa, Madagascar, and the northern, western, and eastern coasts of Australia along with adjacent island nations. The cyclone season in this region runs from late October to May, with peaking activity typically occurring in late February and early March, contrasting with the cyclone seasons in other global regions.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude represents a significant weather event in the Mozambique Channel, with sustained winds reaching 63 mph. Conditions for heavy rainfall and flooding are present, particularly well inland. Cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere exhibit unique characteristics compared to their Northern Hemisphere counterparts, impacting regions such as Madagascar and various coasts of Australia. The cyclone season operates from late October to May, with activity peaks varying by region.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com