Tropical Cyclone Kenneth

Tropical Cyclone Kenneth formed on 23 April north of Madagascar and east of Aldabra Atoll. The tropical depression intensified to a tropical storm on the same day before being upgraded to a tropical cyclone.

Kenneth is forecast to make landfall over northern Comoros islands on 24 April, before making landfall in northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania on 25 April. 

According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the tropical cyclone is forecast to reach maximum wind speeds of 110 knots (204 km/h), which is equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Tropical Cyclone Kenneth is forecast to be a Category 2 and Category 1 storm when it impacts Mozambique and Tanzania.

Northern Mozambique and Southern Tanzania can expect significant rainfall, increasing  risk of both fluvial and pluvial flooding and landslides. Damaging winds and storm surge are also expected to affect Mozambique.

Once it makes landfall, Kenneth is forecast to weaken and dissipate rapidly.

Regions likely to be affected in southern Tanzania include: Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma. Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique will be in the path of the tropical cyclone.

You can find the most up to date track map and warnings of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth on the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACs) websites.

Those at risk should be prepared.

Below are a few tips be prepared:

• Tune into reliable and official weather warnings and advisories. Make sure you monitor and keep up to date with the latest information. Forecasts and situations can change.
• Follow advice from official government sources and expertise in the field. Remember, at times like these, rumours can be dangerous.
• Be aware of your risk and prepare. Are you at risk from flooding, landslides, storm surge or destruction from high wind speeds? 
• Prepare yourself and your family. Simple steps such as creating a family disaster plan, including where to go when asked to evacuate and who your essential contacts, are can save lives. 
• Know how to shut off utilities including gas, electricity and water.
• Create a grab bag containing essential items such as medicines, clothes, money and cards, mobile phone chargers, essential documents (passports, property and insurance), etc. 
• Be ready to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate by officials, do not ignore their advice! Be aware of where the community evacuation centres are located. 
• If you do not feel safe and are in the path of the cyclone, seek alternative shelter. 
• Have you taken your pets and livestock welfare into consideration? Make sure you plan ahead to keep them safe. 
• Do not put yourself and others at risk!
  

Further warnings and updates will follow.