Spiraling bands can be seen around Izilda's center of circulation over the Mozambique Channel.
A cluster of thunderstorms and showers off Madagascar’s southwestern coast quickly converged into Cyclone Izilda on Tuesday.
The storm briefly attained hurricane force winds as it swirled over the open waters of the southern Mozambique Channel, which separates Madagascar from the African mainland.
Outer bands of the storm brought locally heavy rain to parts of southern Madagascar, but the main force of the storm remained well offshore.
Izilda was predicted to maintain storm strength as it moved northwestward toward the coast of Mozambique late in the week.
Cyclone Izilda Track
Satellite Loop Data: CIMSS