Tropical Storm Garance is intensifying and poses serious threats to La Réunion as it approaches the island. Meteorological authorities have issued significant warnings, announcing the island will be placed under orange alert starting at 2 PM on February 26, 2025. The Prefecture confirmed the storm is expected to bring hazardous weather conditions within 24 hours.
According to Météo-France, as of 4 AM on the same day, Garance was located 425 kilometers northwest of La Réunion, moving east-northeast at 13 km/h. The storm exhibited maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h. "Garance constitutes a very serious threat to La Réunion," warned Céline Jauffret, Director of Météo-France for the Indian Ocean, during a press conference.
Preparations are underway as local authorities emphasized the need for residents to secure their properties. Specifically, schools and crèches will close early on Wednesday afternoon, and it is likely they will remain closed through Friday. "There is a strong probability schools will remain closed until Friday," stated Laurent Lenoble, Secretary General of the Prefecture, underscoring the urgency of the alert.
Météo-France indicates the storm is expected to transition to tropical cyclone status by Wednesday night, drawing closer to La Réunion with the potential for significant weather degradation, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas.
Residents are being urged to take preparedness steps seriously, including gathering emergency supplies of food and water, and ensuring their homes are secured against high winds. The small size of the storm suggests danger zones are limited, with intense weather impacts expected only within 50 kilometers of its center. "This system will be of small size, leading to limited geographic extension of its dangerous weather influences," stated Météo-France officials.
Air travel is also being affected as both Air Austral and Corsair have begun modifying their flight schedules, with multiple flights being adjusted or canceled leading up to the storm. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
While the economic activities on the island will largely continue under the orange alert, the Prefecture has urged businesses to facilitate remote work and limit staff movements as much as possible, prioritizing safety during this tumultuous weather event.
Notably, Garance is moving on a peculiar west-to-east path, diverging from typical storm patterns observed within the region. These unusual conditions heighten unpredictability concerning the storm's potential impacts. Reminders of previous storms linger, as just over a year ago, Cyclone Belal caused significant devastation, leading to loss of life and extensive damage.
Local communities are being vigilant and informed regularly through updates via media, social platforms, and local announcements. The authorities are continually monitoring the storm's development, indicating they will adapt alerts and responses as necessary. "It is expected the storm will generate significant impacts across sections of the island by Thursday morning and through Friday," Jauffret reiterated.
Residents are again reminded to stay tuned to Météo-France forecasts and adhere to safety advice from local officials. All eyes are on Garance as it transforms, with fingers crossed for minimal disruption and safety for all on La Réunion.
With conditions developing rapidly, La Réunion is gearing up—the storm’s impending arrival has left the community with mixed feelings of apprehension and determination. Engaging collectively, preparations aim to mitigate impacts and safeguard lives as the weather conditions evolve.