According to new storm news from the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), tropical storm 09S (international name Grant), is operating in the South Indian Ocean with sustained winds of up to 205km/h - equivalent to a super typhoon.
The storm moved in a West-Southwest direction at a speed of about 17 km/h in the past 6 hours, the highest wave reached 10.1 m. The sea is very rough.
The storm is currently about 1,020 km southeast of Diego Garcia Island in the central Indian Ocean.
Previously, on the evening of December 29, the sustained wind force of super typhoon Grant reached 222 km/h, with maximum gusts of about 268 km/h.
In just 24 hours, the storm has rapidly intensified, from 139 km/h to about 194 km/h.
Given the current forecast situation, Grant is the last super typhoon in 2025 to be active.
The storm still exists in a very favorable environment, with strong upper-level vents heading towards the poles, low vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures (27-28°C). These conditions continue to support the storm to maintain great strength in the short term.
In the next 4 days, Grant is forecast to gradually weaken. However, after the 4-day mark, Grant is likely to strengthen again, with sustained winds increasing to about 130 km/h on the 5th day of the forecast cycle.
It is forecast that the storm will continue to move in a West-Southwest direction in the next 72 hours, along the northern edge of the subtropical high pressure area located south. Then, when another high pressure area forms in the southwest, the storm may temporarily shift direction to the Northwest until the end of the forecast period, moving closer to the northern area of Madagascar.
Tourists should not participate in maritime activities, scuba diving, or yachts in the southern Indian Ocean during the monsoon season.
Ship routes passing through the waters near Diego Garcia and northern Madagascar need to closely monitor the official warning bulletin and proactively adjust routes.
Tourists planning to visit islands and coastal resorts in this area should contact airlines, ships and accommodation facilities in advance to update on the possibility of disruptions due to bad weather.
Tourists should avoid going to sea, limit outdoor activities at sea when the storm is still strong, proactively adjust their travel schedules, and comply with the safety instructions of local authorities.
