Impressive Tropical Cyclone Bansi in Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Bansi formed early this week to the east of Madagascar. While the storm is several hundred miles east of Madagascar, enhanced rainfall from the storm has totaled more than 250 mm (10 inches) since Saturday in Tamatave, which lies along Madagascar's east coast.

Bansi brought wind gusts over 100 kph (60 mph) and 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) of rain to parts of Mauritius on Tuesday as the cyclone strengthened rapidly.

Sustained winds near the center of the storm are now 240 kph (150 mph) as it tracks to the northeast of La Reunion.

A track to the southeast over the next several days will keep the cyclone over the open ocean; however, further strengthening could result Bansi being the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic and Pacific by late Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bansi will eventually dissipate over the southern Indian Ocean with no significant impacts to land beyond Thursday.