1976–77 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

The 1976–77 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a below-average cyclone season. The season officially ran from November 1, 1976, to April 30, 1977.

1976–77 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formed	3 October 1976
Last system dissipated	2 March 1977
Strongest storm
Name	Jack-Io
• Maximum winds	165 km/h (105 mph) (10-minute sustained)
• Lowest pressure	935 hPa (mbar)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions	9
Total storms	8
Tropical cyclones	3
Intense tropical cyclones	1
Total fatalities	301
Total damage	Unknown
Related articles
1976–77 Australian region cyclone season 1976–77 South Pacific cyclone season
South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone seasons 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1978–79

Systems

Moderate Tropical Storm Agathe

Moderate tropical storm (MFR)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration	October 3 – October 14
Peak intensity	65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min); 995 hPa (mbar)

Severe Tropical Storm Brigitta

Severe tropical storm (MFR)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration	November 16 – December 1
Peak intensity	100 km/h (65 mph) (10-min); 1000 hPa (mbar)

This system formed west of Diego Garcia on November 15. For the next eleven days, Brigitta meandered southward as a tropical depression. After assuming a westward course, Brigitta strengthened into a tropical storm on November 26. The system reached its peak intensity as it passed by the northern tip of Madagascar. The system moved through the Comoros Islands, and then turned southward into Mozambique.^[1]

Cyclone Clarence

Tropical cyclone (MFR)
Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Duration	January 1 (Entered basin after January 5) – January 13
Peak intensity	130 km/h (80 mph) (10-min); 960 hPa (mbar)

On January 8, Clarence passed near St. Brandon, producing high waves that destroyed four boats and several homes. Wind gusts on the island reached 169 km/h (105 mph). For several days moved in a counterclockwise track around the Mascarene Islands, producing high waves and beneficial rainfall on Réunion.^[2]

Moderate Tropical Storm Domitile

Moderate tropical storm (MFR)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration	January 18 – January 23
Peak intensity	65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min); 992 hPa (mbar)

Severe Tropical Storm Emilie

Severe tropical storm (MFR)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration	January 28 – February 5
Peak intensity	100 km/h (65 mph) (10-min); 980 hPa (mbar)

Cyclone Emilie struck the east coast of Mozambique and northeastern South Africa in February 1977. Heavy flooding in the Limpopo Valley killed at least 300 people.^[3][4]

Tropical Cyclone Fifi

Tropical cyclone (MFR)
Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Duration	January 29 – February 10
Peak intensity	120 km/h (75 mph) (10-min); 985 hPa (mbar)

Cyclone Fifi passed west of Réunion on February 6, bringing four days' of rainfall that reached 656 mm (25.8 in). Flooding damaged crops and roads, and one person died while attempting to cross an inundated road.^[5][6]

Tropical Depression Gilda

Tropical depression (MFR)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration	February 4 (Entered basin) – February 9
Peak intensity	55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min); 1000 hPa (mbar)

Severe Tropical Storm Hervea

Severe tropical storm (MFR)
Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Duration	February 10 – March 3
Peak intensity	110 km/h (70 mph) (10-min); 970 hPa (mbar)

The storm passed just south of Agaléga, dropping 147 mm (5.8 in) of rainfall.^[7]

Intense Tropical Cyclone Jack-Io

Intense tropical cyclone (MFR)
Category 3 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Duration	February 20 (Entered basin) – March 2
Peak intensity	165 km/h (105 mph) (10-min); ≤935 hPa (mbar)

See also

• Atlantic hurricane seasons: 1976, 1977
• Eastern Pacific hurricane seasons: 1976, 1977
• Western Pacific typhoon seasons: 1976, 1977
• North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1976, 1977