Topical Cyclone 26S formed early on Saturday morning in the southern IndianOcean. The cyclone will continue to strengthen as it heads towards northernMadagascar.As of Sunday morning local time, 26S had winds of 60 mph. It is just over500 miles from northern Madagascar. Tropical Cyclone 26S is moving to thewest-southwest at 15 mph. On this track, the center will reach northernMadagascar on Monday morning local time. It is very possible that it will reachhurricane strength before making landfall.
The circulation associated with the cyclone is very large and a few showersand thunderstorms are already reaching northern Madagascar. The cyclone poses avery dangerous flood threat to the island. Flooding is most likely innortheastern parts of the island, including the capitol city ofAntananarivo.
Meanwhile, more rain is falling across the recently flood-ravaged areas ofAustralia. Coastal New South Wales and coastal Queensland have been hammeredwith very heavy rainfall over the past week. Flooding has been widespread.
Rainfall totals in the past week have exceeded 12 inches in several areas.
A cold front pushed into the region on Saturday. The cold front will stallout and remain over the flooded areas through early next week. Additionalrainfall of 1-3 inches is likely. Isolated amounts of 5 inches or more arepossible.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Dave Samuhel
