Tropical Cyclone Garance makes historic landfall over Réunion IslandTropical Cyclone Garance made a historic landfall over Réunion Island at approximately 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC) on February 28, 2025, bringing in record winds of over 200 km/h (125 mph) to the region. A Purple Violent Cyclone Alert is in effect for the entire island.
Tropical Cyclone Garance made landfall on the north coast of Réunion Island at approximately 10:00 local time (06:00 UTC) on February 28, 2025, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
At the time of landfall, the cyclone’s minimum central pressure was recorded at 971.5 hPa in Gillot, located about 7 km (4 miles) east of Saint-Denis. The storm is moving south-southwest at approximately 24 km/h (15 mph) and is expected to maintain this trajectory throughout Friday.
Historical records indicate that only five cyclones have previously made landfall on the island, making Garance the sixth. However, this number may vary due to inconsistencies in older meteorological records.
The cyclone produced wind gusts of 214 km/h (133 mph) at Gillot Airport, the highest recorded since Cyclone Jenny struck the island in 1962. “With modern observation methods, this is a record for the station,” Météo France meteorologists said.
Wind gusts reached 174 km/h (108 mph) at Maïdo, 169 km/h (105 mph) at Bellevue-Bras Panon, and 16 km/h (10 mph) at Plaine des Cafres. The strong winds have uprooted trees and torn roofs off buildings on the island.
A Purple Violent Cyclone Alert is in effect for the entire island. Wind gusts of up to 220 km/h (137 mph) are forecast for northern and eastern areas.
“Beware of the temporary calm associated with the eye’s passage, which may be locally felt. Heavy rainfall and very dangerous seas accompany the cyclone,” Météo France said.
Despite some improvement, severe weather is expected to persist through Friday into Saturday, March 1. Wind gusts of 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph) will continue across much of the island through early Friday night before weakening to 60–80 km/h (37–50 mph) by late Friday night.
Rough sea conditions will persist due to strong winds and a northwest swell of 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 feet) from Pointe des Aigrettes to Pointe des Cascades. Conditions are expected to improve on Saturday morning, with rainfall decreasing by the afternoon.
Strong northerly winds with gusts of 70–80 km/h (44–50 mph) will persist from Saint-Paul to Étang-Salé, from Sainte-Rose to Saint-Philippe, and in all exposed highlands and plains. Winds will be noticeably weaker in Chef-Lieu and Saint-Pierre.