Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc in Mozambique, with over 200mm of rain falling in just one day, destroying 900 homes and cutting power to 40,000 residents. This marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique this season. Initially detected as a depression last Friday near Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, Jude developed into a moderate tropical storm, affecting northern Madagascar on Saturday and resulting in at least one death.
As Jude moved westward across the Mozambique Channel, it gained strength due to sea surface temperatures nearing 30°C, transforming into a tropical cyclone. It struck Mozambique early Monday morning, bringing sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and gusts reaching 120 mph, similar to a category 1 hurricane. The coastal areas of Memba, Monapo, Mossuril, Mozambique Island, and Nacala experienced severe flooding due to the heavy rainfall. Flights were canceled, and power outages affected 40,000 people. So far, six deaths have been attributed to Jude, along with the destruction of 900 homes.
Although Jude has weakened, forecasts suggest it may loop back over the Mozambique Channel, heading towards southern Madagascar later this week. Some predictions indicate it could regain tropical cyclone strength by the time it reaches Madagascar on Friday night, potentially causing further damage.
Meanwhile, South Africa experienced intense thunderstorms on Thursday, with KwaZulu-Natal province under a level 6 alert for heavy rain and flooding. A cold front moving through the region caused warm air to rise and condense, forming storms that resulted in about 100mm of rain in 24 hours. Thunderstorms are expected to continue into Friday, though they are likely to be less severe.
In Western Australia, Perth was hit by a powerful thunderstorm on Thursday, with wind gusts up to 70 mph (113 km/h) knocking down power lines and leaving thousands without electricity. At Culford weather station, 41.2mm of rain fell in three hours, while Barberton East and Maxon Farm stations recorded 30.8mm and 30.4mm of rain within 30 minutes, causing localized flooding.