Elvis

Dissipated

Active from January 28, 2025 at 12:00 AM to February 2, 2025 at 12:00 AM

Track map of Elvis

Peak Category

Dissipated

Minimum Pressure

989 hPa

Maximum Wind Speed

83 km/h

Region

South Indian Ocean

Key Events

Formation

January 28, 2025 at 12:00 AM

-24.4°N, -42.5°E

Dissipation

February 2, 2025 at 12:00 AM

-34.1°N, -51.9°E

Storm Timeline

Elvis formed as Tropical Low at -24.4°N, -42.5°E with winds of 40 km/h

Elvis was named as Category 1 at -25.0°N, -42.8°E with winds of 65 km/h

Elvis reached peak intensity as Category 1 at -25.8°N, -43.2°E with winds of 83 km/h

Elvis weakened to Tropical Storm at -26.0°N, -43.9°E with winds of 83 km/h

Elvis dissipated at -32.7°N, -49.4°E

Tropical Cyclone Elvis (2025): Overview and Impact

Introduction

Tropical Cyclone Elvis, designated as 12S, formed on 28 January 2025 over the Mozambique Channel and quickly developed into a moderate tropical storm. It affected regions in the southwestern Indian Ocean, particularly southern Madagascar, before transitioning into an extratropical system. This article provides an overview of its development, trajectory, and impacts.

Development and Trajectory

Elvis originated from a tropical disturbance that consolidated over warm waters in the Mozambique Channel. By 29 January, it had intensified into a tropical storm with sustained winds of 50 knots (93 km/h) and gusts up to 60 knots (111 km/h). The cyclone moved southeastward, influenced by a deep-layer subtropical ridge to its east, and passed near the southwestern coast of Madagascar on 30 January.

Key Milestones:

  • 28 January: Formed as a tropical depression with winds of 25 knots (46 km/h).
  • 29 January: Strengthened to a tropical storm, reaching peak winds of 50 knots (93 km/h).
  • 30 January: Moved southward, maintaining tropical storm intensity with winds of 40-45 knots (74-83 km/h).
  • 31 January: Began extratropical transition, weakening to 40 knots (74 km/h) before dissipating over the South Indian Ocean.

Impacts

Madagascar

Elvis brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to southern Madagascar, particularly in the Toliara Province. Local accumulations exceeded 500 millimeters (20 inches) in 24 hours, causing severe flooding in areas like Morombe District and Betioky-Atsimo. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, and essential services such as water and electricity were disrupted.

Humanitarian Concerns

The cyclone exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in Madagascar, a region still recovering from previous storms like Cyclone Batsirai (2022). The World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies were on standby to provide emergency assistance, including food and logistics support.

Meteorological Analysis

Elvis struggled against moderate to strong easterly wind shear throughout its lifecycle, which limited its intensification. However, warm sea surface temperatures and favorable outflow aloft supported its development. By 31 January, increasing shear and interaction with a mid-latitude trough triggered its transition into an extratropical system.

Conclusion

Tropical Cyclone Elvis (2025) highlighted the recurring challenges faced by Madagascar and surrounding regions during the cyclone season. While its impacts were moderate compared to previous storms, it underscored the need for continued preparedness and resilience-building efforts in vulnerable communities.