Réunion Island set multiple world rainfall records during significant storm events in February 1964 and 2007. Cyclone Giselle brought staggering rainfalls, including 66.49 inches in 18.5 hours. In 2007, Cratère Commerson recorded 154.72 inches over 72 hours. The island’s unique topography enhances rainfall from tropical cyclones, leading to these record-breaking events.
Réunion Island, situated in the southern Indian Ocean, has once again registered remarkable rainfall records due to two significant storms. Notably, from February 28 to 29, 1964, Cyclone Giselle unleashed unprecedented rain, with the Belouve reporting station documenting record-breaking amounts that include:
– 30.16 inches in 6 hours
– 42.79 inches in 9 hours
– 52.76 inches in 12 hours
– 66.49 inches in 18.5 hours
These totals are nearly equivalent to Miami’s average annual rainfall of 67.41 inches, occurring in under 24 hours. Furthermore, on the same date 18 years ago, Réunion Island faced another deluge from February 24 to 27, 2007. The Cratère Commerson station recorded 154.72 inches of rain over 72 hours and 194.33 inches over 96 hours, both of which remain official world records as recognized by the World Meteorological Organization.
The extraordinary precipitation levels on Réunion Island can be attributed to its strategic geographical position within the pathways of tropical cyclones in the South Indian Ocean. The island features several volcanic peaks, some exceeding 10,000 feet, which significantly contribute to the amplification of rainfall. As moist winds from slow-moving tropical cyclones are forced upwards by the island’s steep terrain, the rainfall rates are markedly intensified.
Réunion Island has demonstrated its capacity to set world rainfall records, particularly highlighted by Cyclone Giselle in 1964 and significant rainfall events in 2007. The island’s unique geographic features and climatic conditions play a crucial role in these extreme weather patterns. Such phenomena emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and research regarding tropical cyclone impacts in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: weather.com
