Moderate Tropical Storm Eleanor Passes East of Mauritius, Bringing Gale Warnings
Moderate Tropical Storm Eleanor was the sixth named storm of the 2023–24 Southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season, developing east of Madagascar and tracking across the basin in February 2024. The system reached moderate tropical storm intensity while moving east of Mauritius, where authorities issued cyclone warnings during its closest approach. Eleanor reached its strongest phase on February 22, with peak winds estimated at 116 km/h by RSMC La Réunion. The storm later weakened over the southwest Indian Ocean and dissipated after several days of activity.
From Depression to Storm: Eleanor Takes Shape East of Madagascar
Eleanor originated from a tropical disturbance east of Madagascar before becoming a named system on February 19, 2024. Under the monitoring responsibility of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre La Réunion (RSMC La Réunion), the storm was tracked across the southwest Indian Ocean as its circulation strengthened.
The system moved generally eastward before turning toward the southeast, remaining over open waters but approaching the wider Mauritius region. RSMC La Réunion classified Eleanor as a Moderate Tropical Storm rather than a tropical cyclone under the Southwest Indian Ocean classification system, where the tropical cyclone category requires higher sustained wind thresholds.
Mauritius Meteorological Services monitored the storm closely as it moved through the region. The agency initially issued a Class 1 Cyclone Warning when Eleanor approached, later raising the alert level to Class 2 as the storm’s influence increased around Mauritius.
The storm also remained under observation in relation to Réunion, the French overseas department that hosts RSMC La Réunion, the official center responsible for tropical cyclone monitoring, naming, and warnings across the southwest Indian Ocean.
Closest Pass East of Mauritius: Eleanor Reaches Peak Strength on February 22
Eleanor reached its strongest stage on February 22, 2024, while positioned east of Mauritius. RSMC La Réunion assessments and international cyclone datasets placed the storm near the upper end of the Moderate Tropical Storm category, with peak winds estimated at 116 km/h.
At its peak stage, Eleanor’s central pressure was analyzed within the range recorded by different monitoring datasets. Variations in pressure estimates reflected differences in analysis methods used by international agencies tracking the storm.
The storm passed east of Mauritius without making direct landfall, but its circulation produced deteriorating weather conditions across parts of the island region. Strong winds, periods of heavy rain, and rough seas were the main hazards associated with the system.
The Mauritius Meteorological Services warning process focused on protecting residents and maritime activities as Eleanor moved through the area. The storm’s offshore passage reduced the potential for widespread damage compared with a direct strike, but the warning period reflected the exposure of island communities to tropical weather hazards.
Madagascar, located west of Eleanor’s development area, was not directly impacted by a landfall from the storm. The system remained primarily a maritime threat as it moved through the southwest Indian Ocean.
Weakening Over Open Ocean: Eleanor Ends Its Short-Lived Journey
After reaching peak intensity, Eleanor gradually weakened as it moved away from the Mauritius region. The storm lost organization as atmospheric conditions became less favorable for maintaining its strength.
By late February, Eleanor weakened below moderate tropical storm intensity and transitioned into a dissipating system over the southwest Indian Ocean. Operational records from regional and international monitoring agencies place the storm’s active period between February 19 and late February, with dissipation following its weakening stage.
Eleanor’s lifecycle was defined by a brief period of strengthening, a close offshore passage east of Mauritius, and a subsequent decline over open waters. The system remained below the threshold of a tropical cyclone in the Southwest Indian Ocean classification but still required coordinated monitoring because of its proximity to inhabited islands.
The final track analysis from RSMC La Réunion and international best-track datasets recorded Eleanor as a moderate tropical storm that completed its development and decay cycle within the southwest Indian Ocean basin.