South Africa, JOHANNESBURG – According to AccuWeather, the storm will continue to press inland over the weekend, bringing along heavy rain, and gusty winds to Mozambique, Zimbabwe some parts of South Africa.
The weather service on Saturday said while Eloise would lose strength as it moved across the land, it could leave behind a trail of destruction.
Forecaster Mbavhi Maliage, said, “We have issued an orange level nine alert for possible heavy rain leading to flooding over the northern and eastern parts of Limpopo as well as the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. This is expected on Sunday.”
Eskom has meanwhile said it had put plans in place to deal with any eventualities.
🌀Here's the latest forecasted track for #Eloise. Eloise is expected to weaken significantly while moving into parts of Limpopo tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/c0Fup0uUE9
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 23, 2021
Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said they were working closely with the National Disaster Management Centre.
“We are working with the provision disaster management centres in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), as well as local government authorities to ensure minimal disruption of electricity supply to customers.”
Nearly two years ago, Cyclone Idai battered Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe and left more than 1,000 people dead and caused a humanitarian crisis in the region.
🌀Tropical Cyclone Eloise made landfall earlier this morning in the Beira area (Saturday 23 January 2021). Its expected to weaken into an overland depression and move into parts of Limpopo tomorrow. Rain will already start today in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. #Eloise #TropicalCyclone pic.twitter.com/RbyjmvySep
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 23, 2021
As the government in Mozambique evacuates residents, Mpumalanga Cooperative Governance MEC Mandla Msibi said disaster management teams were on high alert.
“We are ready in terms of the communications strategy.”
⚠️🌀ELOISE is expected to reach Tropical Cyclone status and make landfall near Beira in Mozambique. It is then expected to become an overland depression and result in significant rain over eastern parts of SA. Have a look at the alert areas below. pic.twitter.com/zSvbnATpiz
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 22, 2021
KZN officials said they were meeting and would communicate a plan of action on Saturday afternoon.
EWN
