Réunion Island achieved several world rainfall records in late February from storms in 1964 and 2007. Cyclone Giselle set astonishing figures in 1964, while the island recorded unprecedented amounts in 2007. The island’s topography and location contribute to extreme rainfall from tropical cyclones.

In late February, Réunion Island set unprecedented rainfall records from two distinct storm events. Notably, from February 28 to 29, 1964, Cyclone Giselle, albeit a Category 1 storm, produced remarkable rainfall figures at the Belouve reporting station:

– 30.16 inches in just 6 hours
– 42.79 inches in 9 hours
– 52.76 inches in 12 hours
– 66.49 inches in 18.5 hours

These amounts are nearly equal to Miami’s annual rainfall average of 67.41 inches occurring within 24 hours.
On a similar note, from February 24 to 27, 2007, the Cratère Commerson station recorded impressive figures of 154.72 inches of rain in 72 hours and 194.33 inches in 96 hours. Both figures remain recognized as official world records by the World Meteorological Organization.

Réunion Island’s heavy rainfall is attributed to its geographical positioning within the South Indian Ocean cyclone pathway and its unique topography. The island features several volcanic peaks, with the highest exceeding 10,000 feet. As moist winds from slow-moving tropical systems encounter the island’s steep terrain, they are forced upwards, significantly enhancing precipitation levels.

In summary, Réunion Island holds remarkable rainfall records due to its location and topography, with notable precipitation events occurring in 1964 and 2007. These extreme weather phenomena underscore the island’s susceptibility to heavy rainfall caused by tropical cyclones and its unique volcanic landscape.

Original Source: weather.com