Storm Freddy kills over 300 in Malawi

March 17, 2023 9:09 PM | Skymet Weather Team

Storm Freddy has already made three landfalls and has had many firsts. The storm has had the longest track, starting off the coast of Australia crossing the South Indian Ocean, moving about 8000 km. Record wise, Freddy has had the most accumulated Cyclone Energy.

Secondly, Freddy is also the longest lasting Tropical Cyclone which is of 35 days, started on February 6. Freddy has struck three countries including Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi. In Malawi alone, the storm has caused over 300 deaths along with all sorts of weather hazards including floods, landslides etc.

Possibly, the Climate Change which has also caused marginal rise in sea surface temperatures fuel more energy into such storms, therefore making them more potent, stronger and with rapid intensification. Storm Freddy followed an unusual path, and had seven cycles of rapid intensification (this happens when storm adds wind speed of 35 miles in its strength in a period of 24 hours).

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