Since 9 a.m., this Friday February 4, the red hurricane alert has been lifted in Reunion, which therefore goes into the backup phase. Batsirai moves away, but for all that, dangers persist. A “strong wind” and “heavy rains and thunderstorms” vigilance was issued on this Friday. Caution.
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Heavy rains are still affecting certain areas of the island this morning. At 9 a.m., this Friday February 4, the red hurricane alert was lifted. Reunion is in the backup phase. However, you must limit your movements because dangers still persist.
The intense tropical cyclone Batsirai continues to move away, but the rear part of the system is still generating bad weather on Reunion this Friday.
A dangerous period before the return to normal
Due to the still degraded weather conditions throughout the day and the consequences of the passage of the cyclone which present dangers, the backup phase of the specific ORSEC* Cyclones system has been triggered.
The prefect of Reunion reminds “the imperative need to strictly respect the safety instructions and the principles of caution during this dangerous period of gradual return to normal”.
Vigilance “heavy rains and thunderstorms”
While the heavy rains experienced in the tail end of the cyclone are also mostly behind us, precipitation is still expected, especially in the highlands. But the amounts of rain will have nothing to do with those observed in the last 24 hours: 1050 mm in Commerson, 754 mm in La Nouvelle or 696 mm in Aurère.
Heavy rain and thunderstorm vigilance has therefore been put in place by Météo France since 9 a.m. on Reunion. A new point will be made at 4 p.m.
Precipitation risks
The island may still experience significant rainfall over the next few days, which will further swell streams and gullies.
To date, ten rivers are placed in yellow vigilance and the Langevin River is placed in orange vigilance. These considerable inflows of water have a direct impact on the practicability of the road network (submersion of aprons, scree, congestion). This situation complicates the work of the teams in charge of repairing the electricity, communications and drinking water distribution networks.
Ongoing flood monitoring
Following the heavy rains, several flood vigilances are underway in Reunion.
- NORTH sector – Maintaining vigilance in YELLOW: Saint Denis river, Pluies river
- EASTERN sector – Maintaining vigilance in YELLOW: Rivière des Roches, Rivière des Marsouins
- SOUTH sector – Maintaining vigilance in ORANGE: Langevin River
- SOUTH sector – Maintaining vigilance in YELLOW: Ravine Blanche, Ravine des Cabris, Rivière des Remparts
- WEST sector – Maintaining vigilance in YELLOW: Galets river, Saint Gilles ravine, Saint Paul pond
Strong winds and swell
The north coast and the north-west coast remain on vague submersion vigilance. The northern sector swell associated with the intense tropical cyclone reaches 4 to 6 meters with a total sea between 7 and 8 meters. The maximum waves can then reach 10 to 12 meters. The most impacted areas are the east, north and west coast from Pointe de la Table to Pointe au sel. The swell is beginning to subside but remains significant in these areas.
The north-west of the department and the plains sector will remain affected by strong winds which have not yet dropped below 100 km/h. These areas are on alert for “strong winds” for the morning.
Limit your trips
Safety measures are taken as part of this hurricane backup phase. Schools and universities, in agreement with the academic authority, will remain closed on Friday February 4 and Saturday February 5.
On the road network: many national and departmental roads are currently closed. Technical missions of reconnaissance and clearing of the tracks are in progress. The road directorates of the Regional Council and the Departmental Council will present updated data on the practicability of the roads. Users are encouraged to stay informed.
The coastal road (RN1), the Cilaos road (RN5) and the mountain road between Saint-Denis and La Possession will be closed all day this Friday. Caution is still required and travel is strongly discouraged. Users must limit their movements as much as possible until normal traffic conditions return and reduce their speed.
Reunion Roland Garros airport will open at 10 a.m. this Friday, February 4, 2022. Flights will be able to resume this day. The persons concerned are invited to inquire with their airline for any information.
Telework recommended in the context of the health context remains strongly encouraged throughout the safeguard period.