We have a cyclone coming towards the island, Gelena. Cyclone names follow a defined set of rotating tables in the south west Indian Ocean:
Systems are named in conjunction with Météo-France Reunion by either Météo Madagascar or the Mauritius Meteorological Service. If a disturbance reaches the naming stage between Africa and 55°E, then Météo Madagascar names it; if it reaches the naming stage between 55°E and 90°E, then the Mauritius Meteorological Service names it. The names are taken from three pre-determined lists of names, which rotate on a triennial basis, with any names that have been used automatically removed.
On the image top right, it’s the whirly north of Mauritius (Port Louis on the map), the one to the east, Funani, did not touch us in any way.
The picture to the left shows how close Gelena will get to our island on Saturday after noon, based on the ECMWF model. We have a class 1 cyclone warning in effect right now, and can only hope the whirly does not change course southwards from its current position.
Alas, maybe no movie night (or afternoon in this case) with the dogs: our generator went belly up, and hasn’t been repaired yet, so in case of a loss of power, no TV. I guess I could watch on my iPad – note to self: charge all devices before Saturday noon –, but it would be harder to share with the dogs. But they probably appreciate being inside and sheltered much more than the movie anyway.
Update Friday evening: cyclone warning class 2 in force.
