Storm Garance: Réunion Island Prepares for Red Cyclone Alert

Réunion Island is bracing for the impact of Storm Garance, which is expected to hit the island in the afternoon on Thursday, February 27, according to Météo-France forecasts. Currently under orange vigilance, the island will be placed under a red cyclone alert starting Thursday, as announced by Prefect Patrice Latron.

The storm, located 370 km northwest of Réunion, is expected to intensify before its approach. Winds gusting over 150 km/h are anticipated, with particularly severe weather conditions expected in the afternoon and overnight from Thursday to Friday. Sylvain Chave, engineering director at Predict Services, noted that Garance could reach the status of an intense tropical cyclone before passing close to the island.

In response to the threat, the prefecture has urged maximum vigilance and advised residents to secure their shelters and check their emergency supplies. Schools on the island have already closed their doors since Wednesday afternoon, and additional safety measures are being implemented to protect the population.