Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall along the eastern coastline of Madagascar, just north of Mananjary, last night.

The South African Weather Services says Freddy weakened significantly due to the rugged terrain it encountered and was downgraded to an overland depression during the evening.

According to a statement released by the weather office, The World Meteorological Organisation designated Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre located at La Reunion, forecasts that Freddy will continue in a west-south-westerly direction over the next few days, regaining its strength this evening as it moves into the Mozambique Channel.

Cyclone Freddy may yet again reach near tropical cyclone status by tomorrow evening while heading to southern Mozambique, making landfall just north of Vilanculos during Friday morning.

“It is expected that ‘Freddy’ will affect the north-eastern parts of South Africa from early Saturday until Monday especially the Lowveld and escarpment areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as the weather system will be semi-stationary along the north-eastern border for a few days,” reads the statement.

The weather office adds that very heavy rainfall in the order of 200 to 400mm is possible, and this may result in widespread significant flooding.

Areas that might be affected

According to the weather office, districts that might be affected are Vhembe and Mopani in Limpopo, and to a slightly lesser extent, Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga.

“This, after significant flooding occurred over the Lowveld and escarpment areas (such as the Kruger National Park) in the last few weeks, may be catastrophic and cause prolonged and severe impacts,” says the weather office.

They urge residents of Capricorn (Limpopo), Umkhanyakude, Zululand and Amajuba (KZN) to be extra vigilant as the situation may be exacerbated by the recent flooding events in these places.

They add that in addition to heavy rains, strong winds caused by Freddy are also expected in the north-eastern parts from Friday evening, with average speeds of about 45km/h.