On the afternoon of March 8 2011, cyclone Irina’s winds finally dropped to 35 knots reducing it to a storm. At this point it was still in the southern Mozambique Channel, south east of Maputo, Mozambique, and heading westwards. On 12 March what was left of Irina made landfall over the Gaza Province, and simply dissipated.
Waiting for cyclone Irina to arrive
Cyclone Irina’s path through the southern Indian ocean over Madagascar and down the east coast of Mozambique and South AfricaIrina’s journey began on 22 February in the south west Indian ocean. She battered Madagascar and parts of Mozambique and brought waves ranging from 3 to 5 metres to South Africa.
The lads in Durban though, were primed and ready for what she had to bring and there was an air of palpable excitement as weather conditions worsened.
Early morning Durban beachfront before cyclone Irina arrives
Big wave surfers were readying their boards and pull-in jet-skis. Old hands and the young and strong were itching to go while photographers and Joe Public were keen for the action. The weather forecast was on everyone’s mind with radar maps, webcams and radios being constantly monitored.
Cyclone Irina’s path over the southern Indian ocean before her final journey and dissipation
Links and resources:
Cyclone Irina moves near Durban – day 1
Cyclone Irina hits land at Durban – day 2
