Angelah Nothando Mlotshwa
Environment and Health Reporter
Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lived tropical cyclone on record which hit Madagascar, Southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe in the third and fourth weeks of last month before returning to sea, is far from dead.
The storm has been reportedly rebuilding strength near the southwest coast of Madagascar and storms has reached the Eastern Highlands and Mashonaland provinces of Zimbabwe with light winds in the Midlands.
Cyclone Freddy has been reported to have changed to a tropical storm.Tropical cyclones are classified based on their strength, largely based on the speed of the winds they produce. They may start as tropical depressions. If they become more severe, they are called tropical storms.
The tropical storm has an impact of,
“Light rains may affect outdoor activities. The wind factor makes the real-feel temperature much less than the actual”, said the Meteorological Services Department.
The public is advised to,
“Avoid being outdoor during episodes of strong winds as debris carried by the wind can cause harm and injury. Ensure vulnerable persons are kept warm and safe, especially towards evening when winds are expected to strengthen”, added the MSD statement.