By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE-Tropical Cyclone Freddy is expected to make landfall on Mozambique by Thursday, February 23.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), there is no indication that the cyclone will have a major impact on South Africa.
The cyclone was spotted moving across the Indian ocean and is, based on surveillance reports gaining momentum and intensifying as it moves.
Classified as a very intense tropical cyclone, Freddy is said to be the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane.
Forecasters expect to have a clearer picture of the cyclone’s path over the next few days.
SAWS weather forecaster, Thandiwe Gumede said,
“Once it has moved closed to or has hit Madagascar, that’s when we’ll be able to determine if it will move to other areas and hit the Mozambique channel or hurtle towards South Africa.”
Cyclone Freddy is expected to hit Madagascar on Tuesday and it is projected the tropical cyclone will then progress to the Mozambican coastline.
The cyclone is expected to bring with it wind speeds of up to 270km/hr.
