Cyclone Gelane Reaches Category Four Strength

Gelane on February 19 at 09:45 UTC (4:45 a.m. ET) that clearly showed the eye of this Category 4 cyclone.

Gelane on Feb. 19 at 4:41 a.m. ET (09:41UTC). Even Gelane’s eye is visible in this infrared image, and it’s surrounded by very high, powerful thunderstorms with cloud tops as cold as -63F.

Cook Islands Cleaning Up After Cyclone Pat

Tropical Cyclone Pat slammed into the Cook Islands during the week of February 8, and residents are still cleaning up. Although Pat caused a lot of damage, it didn’t take any lives.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Pat damaged most homes and destroyed some completely on February 11, when it hit the island of Aitutaki. That island is located north of Rarotonga and Aruutunga, the capital is located on the island’s the west side. There are about 2,000 people that live on the island.

Residents are still in temporary shelters, and are receiving relief. Meanwhile electricity and water supplies are in process of being restored.