Tropical Cyclones In The Mascarene Islands

Since 1656, at least 300 tropical cyclones have affected the Mascarene Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. The archipelago consists of several islands, including Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues. Mauritius claims responsibility for several Outer Islands, including St. Brandon and Agaléga, and has disputed territorial claims of Tromelin Island and the Chagos Archipelago. The deadliest tropical cyclone to affect the region was one that struck Mauritius in 1892, which killed 1,200 people, left 50,000 people homeless, and destroyed one-third of the capital Port Louis.

Since 1950, there have been 249 human fatalities related to tropical cyclones in the Mascarene Islands. The deadliest storms since then were cyclones Carol in 1960, which killed 42 on Mauritius, and Jenny in 1962, which killed 17 on Mauritius and 32 on Réunion. The storms' close succession led to improved building codes. All known worldwide tropical cyclone precipitation records occurred on Réunion. This included a storm in 1958 that dropped of rainfall at Aurere over 48 hours. During a 24-hour period in January 1966, Cyclone Denise dropped of rainfall at Foc Foc, of which fell over 12 hours; both precipitation totals set records for their respective durations. In 1968, Cyclone Monique produced the highest wind gust on Rodrigues – at a station in the mountainous interior. The highest recorded wind gust on Mauritius – at Mon Desert – occurred when Cyclone Gervaise struck the island in February 1975; the cyclone killed 10 people on the island and caused about US$200 million in damage.

During the 1980s, 27 cyclones affected the archipelago, beginning with Cyclone Hyacinthe, the wettest tropical cyclone on record after it dropped of rainfall over 14 days in January 1980 at Commerson Crater in the mountainous peaks of Réunion. In 1989, Cyclone Firinga caused US$217 million in damage from its high wind gusts. In the 1990s, 34 storms affected the Mascarene Islands, most notably Cyclone Bella in 1990, which damaged or destroyed 1,500 homes on Rodrigues, as well as Cyclone Hollanda, which caused the Mauritius gross domestic product to decline by 10%. Since 2000, 64 storms affected the archipelago. In 2002, Cyclone Dina produced the highest wind gusts on Réunion, reaching . Cyclone Gamede dropped record rainfall over a four-day period in 2007, when Commerson Crater in Réunion's mountainous interior recorded of rainfall, breaking the world record for the most precipitation recorded over 72 hours and 96 hours, set previously during Cyclone Hyacinthe in 1980. The most recent storm to affect the island group was Cyclone Joaninha in March 2019.

Background and climatology

The Mascarene Islands are located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. The island group has been known to the Arab world since the 10th century, and to Europeans since the 16th century. In 1638, the Dutch started a colony on Mauritius, but abandoned it after a severe cyclone struck in 1695. The French settled nearby Réunion in 1655, and colonized Mauritius in 1715, naming it Isle de France. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British took over Mauritius, maintaining possession of the island until 1968 when Mauritius became independent. The British also briefly took possession of Réunion from 1810 to 1815, until it was returned to France, which operates the island as an overseas department.

According to a study from 1989, on average two storms pass within 320 km (200 mi) of Réunion or Mauritius each year, with a landfall about every five years.

List of storms

Pre-1800s

*1615 – A storm on Mauritius wrecked the ship ''Peter's Booth''.
*February 9, 1695 – A powerful cyclone struck Mauritius, destroying much of the island.
*January 25, 1710 – A powerful cyclone struck Mauritius, sinking a boat that was intended to evacuate the island's Dutch population. Residents drowned while crossing streams to reach a ship on the other side of the island.
*December 23, 1723 – A powerful cyclone affected Mauritius.
*February 4, 1731 – The public archives in Mauritius were destroyed by a passing cyclone.
*March 13, 1734 – A powerful cyclone passed near Mauritius.
*March 8, 1743 – A strong cyclone passed near Mauritius.
*February 1748 – A strong storm

1800s

*February 1800
*1806 – A storm affected Mauritius during the year.
*February 3, 1807 –
*February 26, 1807 –
*March 6, 1811 –
*March 21, 1811 –
*February 26, 1812 –
*February 19, 1813 –
*February 3, 1814 –
*April 19, 1814 –
*February 6, 1815 –
*February 17, 1815 –
*January 22, 1816 –
*February 14, 1817 –
*March 1, 1818 – A cyclone passed near Mauritius, where a barometric pressure of was recorded; this was one of the earliest reports of atmospheric pressure associated with a tropical cyclone in the region.
*January 25, 1819 –
*March 29, 1819 –
*December 15, 1820 –
*February 21, 1823 –
*March 6, 1823 –
*February 23, 1824 –
*April 11, 1824 –
*December 6, 1824 –
*March 10, 1825 –
*February 24, 1826 –
*December 27, 1826 –
*January 8, 1827 –
*March 6, 1828 –
*March 25, 1828 –
*February 7, 1829 –
*March 27, 1830 –
*April 4, 1830 –
*March 4, 1832 –
*April 10, 1833 –
*January 20, 1834 –
*February 21, 1834 –
*April 30, 1834 –
*January 20, 1835 –
*March 5, 1836 –
*February 15, 1837 –
*April 10, 1840 –
*January 16, 1841 –
*January 16, 1843 –
*April 1843 – Rodrigues
*January 4, 1844 –
*February 20, 1844 –
*March 20, 1844 –
*December 20, 1844 –
*March 8, 1845 –
*January 28, 1847 –
*February 1847 – On an unknown date, a cyclone affected Mauritius.
*March 8, 1848 –
*February 28, 1850 –
*March 20, 1851 –
*January 9, 1852 –
*January 23, 1852 –
*January 14, 1853 –
*March 5, 1853 –
*February 10, 1854 –
*January 22, 1855 –
*April 27, 1855 –
*February 2, 1856 –
*April 3, 1856 –
*December 1857
*1879 – 35 death

*April 29, 1892 – A 1892 Mauritius cyclone, powerful cyclone killed 1,200 people and injured 4,000 others on Mauritius. For 65 minutes, the eyewall of the storm moved across the island, producing sustained winds of , gusts of , and a barometric pressure of . In about six hours, the cyclone knocked down 200,000 trees, left 50,000 people homeless, and wrecked about one-third of the capital Port Louis.
*January 12, 1895 â€

1900s

*March 21, 1904 – A cyclone struck Réunion's capital, killing 24 people.
*March 5, 1931 – wind gusts
*February 4, 1932 – A small but powerful storm crossed Réunion, leaving around 100 deaths.
*January 16, 1945 – A cyclone struck Mauritius, producing wind gusts of . 13 death

*February 1, 1945 – A cyclone passed south of Mauritius, where wind gusts reached .
*April 7, 1945 – The eye of a cyclone struck Réunion, producing wind gusts of over . The storm killed 13 people and left over F300 million (US$6 million) in damage.
*January 30, 1946 – A cyclone passed near Mauritius, producing wind gusts of .
*January 26, 1948 – A cyclone struck 165 deaths, wind gusts estimated –

1950s

*March 17, 195
1870 mm
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*April 6–9, 1958 – A cyclone passed about 80 km (50 mi) west of Réunion, dropping of rainfall at Aurere over 48 hours; the total set record the highest precipitation amount worldwide for that amount of time.

1960s

*January 19, 1960 – Cyclone Alix (1960), Cyclone Alix passed between Réunion and Mauritius, producing wind gusts of . Alix killed eight people on Mauritius and injured more than 100 others. The cyclone destroyed more than 20,000 huts and buildings, leaving 21,000 people homeless.
*February 27, 1960 – Cyclone Carol struck Mauritius, producing wind gusts of , the strongest on record at the time and only surpassed by Cyclone Gervaise in 1975. Carol killed 42 people on Mauritius and seriously injured 95 others. The storm destroyed or seriously damaged about 100,000 houses, leaving over 15% of the island's population homeless, or over 100,000 people, of whom 70,000 stayed in emergency shelters. The high winds also wrecked about 60% of the sugar crop. Storm damage was estimated at RS450 million (US$95 million).
*December 25, 1961 – Cyclone Beryl passed just west of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of , Later, the storm struck Réunion
*February 28, 1962 – Cyclone Jenny brushed the north coast of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of . On the island, the storm killed 17 people, destroyed 1,300 buildings, and left more than 8,000 people homeless. Later that day, the storm struck Réunion, killing 36 people; wind gusts at the Roland Garros Airport reached . Jenny destroyed 3,851 homes on Réunion and severely damaged another 2,619, many of them wooden, leaving about 20,000 people homeless. The storm also destroyed crops, and wrecked about 80% of the island's telephone lines. After the close succession of Carol and Jenny, officials rebuilt most homes with concrete to withstand future storms.
*April 9, 1962 – Cyclone Maud passed near Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of .
*October 13, 1962 – Weakening Tropical Storm Amy passed north of Rodrigues, producing hailstorms on the island. The storm also dropped heavy rainfall and produced moderate waves on Réunion.
*December 4, 1962 – Cyclone Bertha passed between Mauritius and Rodrigues, producing gusty winds.
*December 25, 1962 – Tropical Storm Cecile produced winds of 93 km/h (58 mph) while passing just east of St. Brandon.
*January 14, 1963 – Cyclone Delia brushed St. Brandon with wind gusts. The cyclone also produced high seas along the Mascarenes while exiting the region.
*February 10, 1963 – Developing Tropical Storm Fanny produced gusty winds and high seas in St. Brandon and Réunion before striking Madagascar.
*February 19, 1963 – Tropical Storm Grace passed just west of Rodrigues, bringing wind gusts of .
*March 4, 1963 – Tropical Storm Irene brought gusty winds to St. Brandon and Tromelin while developing and exiting the region.
*March 9, 1963 – Cyclone Julie brushed Rodrigues with gusty winds while passing east of the island.
*December 24, 1963 – Tropical Storm Betty brushed St. Brandon with wind gusts of .
*January 20, 1964 – Cyclone Danielle crossed between Réunion and Mauritius, producing wind gusts of in the latter island. Over three days, the storm dropped heavy rainfall, reaching .
*February 6, 1964 – Tropical Storm Eileen passed between Réunion and Madagascar, producing increased winds in the Mascarenes.
*February 28, 1964 – Cyclone Giselle passed just northwest of Réunion, producing wind gusts of , and heavy rainfall. Over four days, rainfall accumulated to at Belouve, of which fell over 24 hours. The rains caused flooding damage to crops.
*March 5, 1964 – Tropical Storm Harriet passed north of the Mascarenes and near St. Brandon, generating gusty winds on the islands.
*April 30, 1964 – Tropical Storm Jose brought gusty winds to Rodrigues while passing to its north.
*December 5, 1964 – Tropical Disturbance Arlette produced increased winds while passing near St. Brandon, Mauritius, and Rodrigues.
*December 9, 1964 – Tropical Storm Bessie brought gusty winds to St. Brandon, Réunion, and Mauritius.
*January 7, 1965 – Cyclone Freda passed between Rodrigues and Mauritius, generating wind gusts of on Rodrigues.
*January 17, 1965 – Developing Tropical Storm Iris produced wind gusts of on Tromelin.
*February 6, 1965 – Tropical Depression Judy developed and remained north of the Mascarenes, generating high waves.
*February 16, 1965 – Tropical Storm Kathleen passed southeast of Rodrigues, generating high waves that reached along the island's southern coast.
*March 4, 1965 – Tropical Depression Olive passed south of Rodrigues. It produced high seas and scattered thunderstorms as far west as Réunion.
*May 3, 1965 – Tropical Storm Rose passed west of Réunion, producing wind gusts of , along with heavy rainfall reaching at Plaine des Palmistes. The rains caused a landslide along the Rivière des Remparts.
*January 7, 1966 – Cyclone Denise passed north of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of . Later, the storm crossed over Réunion, dropping record rainfall. Over a 24-hour period, Denise dropped of rainfall at Foc Foc, Réunion, of which fell over 12 hours; both precipitation totals are the highest recorded worldwide for their respective durations. Over 48 hours, precipitation totaled at Bras Sec. The heavy rains caused flooding that killed three people, and caused severe road and crop damage.
*March 5, 1966 – Cyclone Ivy brushed St. Brandon with 93 km/h (58 mph) winds, and later passed between Madagascar and Réunion.
*December 17, 1966 – Tropical Storm Colette passed south west of Réunion, producing heavy rainfall on the island.
*January 14, 1967 – Cyclone Gilberte brushed Mauritius and Réunion with heavy rainfall and gusty winds, reaching on Mauritius.
*February 12, 1967 – Tropical Storm Huguette produced winds while passing east of Rodrigues.
*December 23, 1967 – Cyclone Carmen passed just west of Rodrigues, producing heavy rainfall and wind gusts of . The storm also dropped rainfall on Réunion.
*January 21, 1968 – Cyclone Henriette passed just east of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts.
*January 30, 1968 – After emerging from Madagascar, Cyclone Georgette brought heavy, but beneficial rainfall to Réunion.
*February 13, 1968 – Tropical Storm Ida brought gusty winds to Mauritius, as well as beneficial rainfall to Réunion.
*March 10, 1968 – Tropical Storm Karine bypassed Réunion, bringing heavy rainfall that caused river flooding. Six people drowned on the island during the storm's passage.
*March 29, 1968 – The eye of Cyclone Monique passed just northwest of Rodrigues, producing a minimum pressure of , as well as wind gusts of in the island's interior; this was the highest wind gust on record for the island. The winds wrecked most of the island's crops, as well as many houses, while also causing severe erosion. The outskirts of Monique also produced high waves and dropped rainfall in Réunion. Damage from Carmen and Monique was estimated at US$5 million, with 3,500 people left homeless and 24 people injured.
*November 1, 1968 – High waves from Tropical Storm Annie affected the north and east coast of Réunion.
*January 1, 1969 – Tropical Storm Berthe passed north of the Mascarene Islands, bringing light rainfall and gusty winds to the islands.
*January 16, 1969 – A trough related to Tropical Storm Claire brought rainfall to Réunion for several days, which peaked at in La Confiance.
*February 1, 1969 – Cyclone Dany passed north of the Mascarene Islands, bringing heavy rainfall to Réunion that reached at Foc Foc. The rains damaged coastal roads, and contributed to two deaths.
*March 23, 1969 – Cyclone Helene passed east of Mauritius, resulting in several days of rainfall and rough seas for the Mascarene Islands.

1970s

*January 12, 1970 – Cyclone Genevieve passed north of Réunion, bringing heavy rainfall to the island's northern portion.
*January 25, 1970 – Tropical Storm Hermine dropped heavy rainfall on Réunion over four days, reaching . The rains flooded roads and crops, killing one person.
*February 11, 1970 – Cyclone Iseult passed between Réunion and Mauritius.
*March 29, 1970 – Cyclone Louise passed east of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of , and the storm later brushed Rodrigues.
*January 25, 1971 – Cyclone Ginette looped south of Réunion, resulting in high waves and several days of rainfall.
*January 31, 1971 – Cyclone Felicie emerged from the east coast of Madagascar, bringing thunderstorms to Réunion.
*February 8, 1971 – Cyclone Helga passed southeast of Réunion and Mauritius, bringing heavy rainfall to the former island, reaching at Commerson. Two people died on the island due to drowning.
*February 26, 1971 – Cyclone Lise passed southeast of Rodrigues, and later produced rainfall in Réunion.
*December 16, 1971 – Rainbands from Tropical Storm Agnes affected Réunion while the storm passed to the north.
*February 7, 1972 – Tropical Storm Dolly brushed the southwest coast of Réunion, bringing days of heavy rainfall that reached at Piton Tortue. The rains damaged crops and flooded coastal roads. Dolly killed five people on the island.
*February 13, 1972 – Cyclone Eugenie brought beneficial rainfall to the Mascarene Islands while passing to the north.
*February 18, 1972 – Cyclone Fabienne passed just west of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of . The storm caused two fatalities on the island, as well as 16 injuries.
*March 5, 1972 – Strengthening Tropical Storm Hermione passed north of the Mascarene Islands, producing heavy rainfall on Réunion that reached at Foc Foc.
*November 30, 1972 – Tropical Storm Ariane passed north of Mauritius and later executed a loop southeast of the island. The storm brought heavy rainfall and wind gusts of .
*December 22, 1972 – Cyclone Beatrice brushed northern Rodrigues and eastern Mauritius, bringing rainfall.
*January 8, 1973 – Tropical Storm Charlotte passed just southwest of Réunion, producing wind gusts, as well as heavy rainfall reaching at Riviere de L'Est. The rains damaged crops and flooded roads, which killed one person due to drowning.
*January 13, 1973 – Tropical Storm Dorothee produced a series of thunderstorms on Réunion while the storm passed to the southwest.
*January 31, 1973 – Cyclone Gertrude brushed eastern Rodrigues, producing , as well as of rainfall.
*February 2, 1973 – Tropical Storm Hortense passed south of Réunion, bringing rainfall to the island.
*February 21, 1973 – Cyclone Jessy struck Rodrigues, bringing heavy rainfall and wind gusts, causing power outages.
*March 1, 1973 – Cyclone Kitty struck Rodrigues, causing power outages.
*March 10, 1973 – Cyclone Lydie passed west of Réunion, producing wind gusts in the mountainous peaks. The cyclone produced four days' of heavy rainfall on the island, reaching . Flooding killed 10 people on the island, and caused crop damage.
*September 21, 1973 – Tropical Storm Alice produced high waves, flooding half of Île Raphael, while high winds damaged the radio antenna and roofing of the island's meteorological station.
*January 3, 1974 – Tropical Storm Esmeralda looped to the southeast of Madagascar, bringing several days of rainfall to Réunion, reaching .
*February 27, 1974 – High waves from Tropical Storm Ghislaine affected southeastern Rodrigues.
*January 24, 1975 – Cyclone Deborah brushed the coast of Réunion with scattered thunderstorms while passing to the south of the island.
*February 6, 1975 – Cyclone Gervaise struck Mauritius, where the calm of the eye lasted about three hours. The storm killed 10 people on the island and caused about US$200 million in damage. Gervaise produced wind gusts of at Mon Desert, the highest ever recorded on Mauritius. The storm destroyed about 13,000 houses, and also caused heavy damage to crops, power lines, and roads.
*March 16, 1975 – Cyclone Ines passed between Réunion and Mauritius, dropping heavy rainfall on both islands. Flooding rains destroyed several rain gauges on Réunion.
*January 20, 1976 – Cyclone Danae destroyed the wind gauge while passing just south of Agaléga; winds were estimated at over . The storm also produced high waves that affected the northern coast of Réunion, flooding coastal roads.
*January 8, 1977 – Cyclone Clarence passed near St. Brandon, producing high waves that destroyed four boats and several homes. Wind gusts on the island reached . For several days moved in a counterclockwise track around the Mascarene Islands, producing high waves and beneficial rainfall on Réunion.
*January 31, 1977 – Tropical Storm Emilie passed north of Réunion, bringing beneficial rainfall for crops.
*February 6, 1977 – Cyclone Fifi approached but turned away from western Réunion, bringing three days' of rainfall that reached at Salazie. Flooding damaged crops and roads, and one person died while attempting to cross an inundated road.
*February 8, 1977 – Tropical Storm Gilda passed between Rodrigues and St. Brandon, and later between Mauritius and Réunion, before being absorbed by Cyclone Fifi, causing minimal effects.
*February 20, 1977 – Cyclone Hervea passed just south of Agaléga, dropping of rainfall.
*January 20, 1978 – Cyclone Fleur passed just east of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of , which damaged crops. Heavy rainfall occurred on neighboring Réunion, reaching at Foc Foc.
*January 29, 1978 – Tropical Storm Huberte brushed Rodrigues with gusty winds.
*March 7, 1978 – Tropical Storm Kiki reformed near Mauritius and latter passed just southeast of Réunion. On the latter island, rainfall reached , which flooded coastal roads, damaged bridges, and killed two people.
*January 7, 1979 – Cyclone Benjamine passed between Réunion and Mauritius. On the former island, the storm dropped heavy rainfall, reaching at Gite de Bellecombe, along with wind gusts at St. Denis. The storm damaged or destroyed 194 houses, while also damaging crops and power lines.
*February 4, 1979 – Cyclone Celine looped near Mauritius while intensifying, later passing just north of Rodrigues. Wind gusts on the latter island reached . The storm killed about half of the population of the critically endangered Rodrigues flying fox.
*February 15, 1979 – For several days, tropical storms Estelle and Fatou moved around the Mascarene Islands, which produced heavy rainfall on Réunion that reached at Petite Plaine.
*December 22, 1979 – After passing southeast of St. Brandon, Cyclone Claudette struck Mauritius, producing wind gusts of . The storm caused 5 fatalities, 257 injuries, and US$175 million in damage on the island. About 5,000 houses were destroyed or severely damaged. Effects on neighboring Réunion were limited to wind gusts and some rainfall.

1980s

*January 15, 1980 – Cyclone Hyacinthe formed north of Mauritius, and for two weeks moved slowly to the west of the Mascarene Islands. The cyclone produced record rainfall that caused $167 million (676 million francs) in damage and killed 25 people. Over 14 days, Hyacinthe dropped of rainfall at Commerson Crater in the mountainous peaks of Réunion, making the storm the wettest tropical cyclone on record. The highest daily total was on January 25, when fell at Commerson. Over a three-day period, the storm dropped 3,240 mm (127.6 in) at Commerson, as well as 4,300 mm (169 in) over a five-day period ending on January 28. The rains caused flooding and hundreds of mudslides. About half of the roads on the island were damaged, with road damage estimated at $40 million (1980 USD, 161.3 million francs).
*February 3, 1980 – Cyclone Jacinthe passed between Mauritius and Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of and on the respective islands. Heavy rainfall filled dams to capacity on Rodrigues.
*March 5, 1980 – Cyclone Kolia executed two loops near the Mascarene Islands, bringing the storm between Réunion and Mauritius twice. Wind gusts reached on Mauritius.
*March 13, 1980 – Cyclone Laure passed just east of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of and of rainfall.
*January 7, 1981 – The eyewall of Cyclone Florine crossed over Réunion, producing strong wind gusts of at Plaine des Cafres, as well as heavy rainfall reaching at Foc-Foc. The storm damaged crops, power lines, and houses, leaving 500 people homeless. Cilaos and Salazie became isolated during the storm. Two people were injured on the island. Winds on Mauritius reached .
*January 31, 1981 – Tropical Depression Helyette passed south of Rodrigues, and the next day moved over Mauritius and just southeast of Réunion. The highest wind gust was at Fort William on Mauritius.
*March 6, 1981 – Strengthening Tropical Storm Johanne passed between Réunion and Mauritius while passing southeastward, with respective island rainfall totals of and . The highest wind gust was at Mon Desert Alma on Mauritius.
*April 9, 1981 – Tropical Storm Lisa executed a loop north of the Mascarene Islands, coming within 200 km (125 mi) of Mauritius. For several days, the storm dropped rainfall on the islands, reaching in Mauritius and on Réunion. Flooding caused road damage in the latter island.
*January 17, 1982 – Cyclone Damia passed just north of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of as well as dropping nearly 300 mm (12 in) of rainfall in 24 hours. The storm damaged crops and houses, with monetary damage estimated around U$650,000.
*February 6, 1982 – Tropical Storm Gabrielle passed northwest of the Mascarene Islands, producing wind gusts of on Réunion at Plaine des Cafres.
*February 20, 1982 – A tropical depression brought several days of rainfall to Mauritius before dissipating.
*December 3, 1982 – Severe Tropical Storm Bemany bypassed St. Brandon, bringing wind gusts of , before the storm brushed Mauritius with gusts of .
*December 8, 1983 – Cyclone Andry passed just south of Agaléga, producing wind gusts of 174 km/h (108 mph). The storm damaged or destroyed every house on the island, leaving the 350 residents without power, food, water, or shelter. Andry injured 30 people and killed one on the island.
*December 25, 1983 – Tropical Cyclone Bakoly passed between Réunion and Mauritius, producing wind gusts and of rainfall on the latter island. The cyclone caused eight injuries, one of them serious when a damaged house collapsed. Damage on Mauritius was estimated at RS300 million (US$21 million). Rainfall on Réunion reached .
*January 23, 1984 – Tropical Storm Edoara struck Rodrigues, producing gusts of , and heavy rainfall reaching at Baie aux Huîtres.
*February 16, 1984 – Developing Tropical Storm Haja passed just south of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of less than .
*January 16, 1985 – While executing a loop, Tropical Storm Celestina struck Réunion. The storm dropped several days of rainfall, with a peak 24 hour rainfall total of in Aurere.
*February 11, 1985 – For six days, Tropical Storm Gerimena developed and moved around Réunion, with a maximum rainfall of .
*April 14, 1985 – Cyclone Helisaonina executed a loop just north of Rodrigues, bringing wind gusts of .
*January 14, 1986 – Severe Tropical Storm Costa passed northeast of Rodrigues, where it produced wind gusts of .
*February 7, 1986 – Severe Tropical Storm Erinesta bypassed Réunion to the west, bringing several days of heavy rainfall that totaled at Cilaos, of which fell over 24 hours. The storm caused flooding, but also helped replenish aquifer levels after two years of drought conditions.
*March 12, 1986 – Intensifying Cyclone Honorinina brushed St. Brandon with wind gusts.
*January 4, 1987 – A tropical depression passed just west of Réunion, dropping of rainfall at Dos d'Âne.
*February 6, 1987 – Developing Tropical Storm Bemazava produced wind gusts of on Rodrigues.
*February 10, 1987 – Tropical Storm Clotilda stalled southwest of Réunion for two days, dropping torrential rainfall which peaked at at Bébourg. Clotilda killed 10 people and destroyed over 120 houses, with damage estimated at US$2 million.
*January 2, 1988 – Tropical Depression Benandro produced wind gusts of 69 km/h (43 mph) while passing north of Réunion.
*January 28, 1989 – Cyclone Firinga brushed the northwest coast of Mauritius, causing about $60 million (1989 USD) in damage and one fatality. A day later, Firinga made landfall on Réunion, where the cyclone killed 10 people and caused â‚£1 billion (1989 francs, $157 million 1989 USD) in damage. The storm produced wind gusts of at Saint-Pierre. Rainfall on Réunion reached at Pas de Bellecombe. The high rainfall caused flooding and landslides, and left 60% of the island without power.
*March 25, 1989 – Developing Tropical Storm Jinabo dropped heavy rainfall on Réunion, reaching at Sainte-Rose.
*April 5, 1989 – Cyclone Krisy passed north of Rodrigues, producing 122 km/h (76 mph) gusts and 97.6 mm (3.84 mm) of rainfall. Later, the storm struck Mauritius, where wind gusts reached 155 km/h (96 mph), compounding on the crop damage caused by Firinga two months prior. A farmer killed himself due to the threat of the storm.

1990s

*January 31, 1991 – Cyclone Bella passed about 50 km (30 mi) west of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of 210 km/h (130 mph), which damaged 1,200 homes and destroyed 300 others, leaving about 1,000 people homeless. The cyclone also destroyed over 90% of the crops on the island were destroyed, and killed half of the critically endangered Rodrigues flying fox.
*March 3, 1992 – Tropical Depression Gerda brought wind gusts of 100 km/h (62 mph) to Rodrigues.
*January 19, 1993 – The eyewall of Cyclone Colina struck Réunion, dropping of rainfall over 24 hours, and producing wind gusts of at La Plaine-des-Palmistes. Colina killed two people on the island, and also caused power outages and crop damage.
*January 22, 1993 – High waves caused by a polar trough and Tropical Storm Dessilia affect southwestern Réunion.
*January 27, 1993 – Cyclone Edwina passed between Rodrigues and Mauritius, producing respective peak island wind gusts of and . Rainfall reached on Mauritius.
*February 13, 1993 – Developing Tropical Storm Finella passed southwest of Réunion, dropping of rainfall at Saint-Benoît.
*February 27, 1993 – A tropical disturbance, later named Hutelle despite not attaining tropical storm status, dropped torrential rainfall on Réunion, reaching in some locations.
*December 21, 1993 – Weakening Tropical Storm Cecilia passed north of Mauritius and Réunion, with rainfall on the latter island reaching over 24 hours.
*February 10, 1994 – Cyclone Hollanda struck the north coast of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of in the capital Port Louis. Hollanda killed two people during its passage and left US$135 million in damage (1994 USD); The storm heavily damaged or destroyed 450 houses, leaving 1,500 people homeless. The storm was the most damaging for the island since Cyclone Gervise in 1975. Hollanda caused the island's gross domestic product to decline by 10%. The cyclone later brushed the coast of Réunion. There, Hollanda produced wind gusts of , which caused damage to crops and power lines. Rainfall on Réunion reached .
*February 16, 1994 – Cyclone Ivy approached within 100 km (60 mi) west of Rodrigues, bringing gusts of .
*March 10, 1994 – Tropical Storm Kelvina dropped heavy rainfall on Réunion while passing west of the island, reaching .
*March 13, 1994 – High waves from Cyclone Litanne affected the northern coast of Réunion and Mauritius.
*April 12, 1994 – Cyclone Odille passed of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of .
*November 30, 1994 – Tropical Storm Albertine passed south of Rodrigues, producing heavy rainfall and wind gusts to .
*January 6, 1995 – Developing Tropical Storm Christelle absorbed Tropical Storm Bentha near the Mascarene Islands. For five days, the two storms brought rainfall to Mauritius and Réunion.
*January 27, 1995 – Cyclone Dorina passed south of Rodrigues, bringing gusts of .
*February 8, 1995 – Cyclone Gail skirted by Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of .
*February 26, 1995 – Cyclone Ingrid passed between Mauritius and Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of 91 km/h (56 mph) at the former island.
*March 13, 1995 – Tropical Storm Kylie struck Réunion, producing winds of 100 km/h (65 km/h).
*March 16, 1995 – Tropical Depression Lidy stalled near Rodrigues, dropping of rainfall and causing flooding damage.
*December 30, 1995 – Tropical Depression B2 dropped of rainfall on Réunion while passing to the west of the island.
*February 25, 1996 – Cyclone Edwige produced while passing north of Réunion.
*February 29, 1996 – Cyclone Flossy passed about 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of .
*March 22, 1996 – Tropical Storm Guylianne passed about 50 km (30 mi) east of Mauritius, bringing beneficial rainfall.
*April 6, 1996 – Cyclone Hansella moved over Rodrigues, dropping a month's worth of rainfall – – in a 24-hour period. The storm later dropped rainfall in Réunion.
*December 8, 1996 – Tropical Storm Daniella crossed between Mauritius and Réunion, producing wind gusts of and about of rainfall on Mauritius. About half of the island lost power, and there were three storm related deaths.
*January 22, 1997 – Cyclone Gretelle passed northwest of Réunion, dropping heavy rainfall in the mountainous peaks of the island; Mafate recorded over of precipitation.
*February 21, 1997 – Tropical Storm Karlette (1997), Tropical Storm Karlette passed south of Rodrigues, dropping of rainfall on the island.
*February 10, 1998 – Cyclone Anacelle (1998), Cyclone Anacelle passed west of St. Brandon, and a day later west of Mauritius, producing gusty winds and rainfall on both islands.
*February 24, 1998 – Tropical Depression D2 (1998), Tropical Depression D2 dropped heavy rainfall while in the vicinity of Réunion and Mauritius, reaching nearly over a 24-hour period at Salazie, Réunion. The rains caused flooding, landslides, and power outages.
*February 3, 1999 – Tropical Storm Chikita (1999), Tropical Storm Chikita passed north of Rodrigues, Mauritius, and Réunion, providing beneficial rainfall. The highest rainfall was in Bébourg, Réunion.
*March 9, 1999 – The eyewall of Cyclone Davina (1999), Cyclone Davina crossed over Mauritius, a day after passing north of Rodrigues and a day prior to passing west of Réunion. Rainfall on Réunion reached in the island's center. Two people drowned in the Rivière des Galets (Réunion), Rivière des Galets, but otherwise the rainfall proved beneficial in alleviating dry conditions.

2000s

*January 29, 2000 – Cyclone Connie passed north of Mauritius and Réunion as a weakening storm, bringing heavy rainfall to both islands. At Commerson Crater on Réunion, rainfall reached . One man died on Mauritius during the storm while attempting to secure his house, and two died on Réunion.
*February 14, 2000 – Cyclone Leon–Eline, Cyclone Eline passed north of Mauritius and Réunion, dropping of rainfall at Bébourg, Réunion.
*February 27, 2000 – The tropical disturbance that later became Tropical Storm Gloria (2000), Tropical Storm Gloria produced gale-force winds on Tromelin and St. Brandon.
*April 1, 2000 – Cyclone Hudah produced gusts of 180 km/h (110 mph) on Tromelin Island, days after producing gusty winds on Rodrigues and St. Brandon.
*January 6, 2001 – While passing west of Réunion, Cyclone Ando (2001), Cyclone Ando dropped heavy rainfall reaching at Pas de Bellecombe. The rains caused landslides and flooding that killed two people.
*January 22, 2001 – A 2000–01 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season#Other storms, tropical depression dropped about 100 mm (4 in) of rainfall while in the vicinity of Réunion.
*January 25, 2001 – former Cyclone Charly (2001), Cyclone Charly dropped rainfall on Mauritius and Réunion as a weak disturbance drifting to the south of the islands.
*April 6, 2001 – Tropical Storm Evariste (2001), Severe Tropical Storm Evariste passed east of St. Brandon, and a day later to the southwest of Rodrigues, producing rainfall and gusty winds.
*January 20, 2002 – Cyclone Dina passed north of Rodrigues, where rough waves killed five fishermen. Over the next two days, Dina moved north of Mauritius, where damage totaled $50 million, largely from agriculture losses. Four people died on the island. Dina also passed near Réunion, producing wind gusts at Maïdo, the highest on record for the island. In the mountainous peaks of Réunion, rainfall reached in La Plaine des Chicots. The rains caused flooding that contributed to six deaths and left Euro, €95 million (US$83.4 million) in damage. The Ravine des Cabris reached an all-time record flood while three other rivers reached their second-highest levels, only behind flooding from Cyclone Firinga in 1989.
*February 19, 2002 – Cyclone Guillaume (2002), Cyclone Guillaume passed about east of Mauritius, producing light winds and rainfall.
*March 12, 2002 – Cyclone Hary passed about 350 km (220 mi) west of Réunion. It dropped of rainfall in Bébourg, which caused river flooding that killed one person. Light rainfall occurred in neighboring Mauritius.
*November 19, 2002 – Cyclone Boura (2002), Cyclone Boura passed north of St. Brandon, Mauritius, and Réunion, producing wind gusts of 118 km/h (74 mph) on Mauritius.
*December 27, 2002 – Cyclone Crystal (2002), Cyclone Crystal dropped light rainfall on Mauritius while passing to the east of the island.
*February 13, 2003 – As part of an outbreak of four storms across the Indian Ocean, Cyclone Gerry (2003), Cyclone Gerry produced high waves, gusty winds, and rainfall on Mauritius, killing one person due to electrocution.
*March 12, 2003 – Cyclone Kalunde approached within 55 km (35 mi) of Rodrigues to the east, leaving the island without power, and causing Euro, €3.4 million (US$3.15 million) in damage.
*May 5, 2003 – Cyclone Manou passed north of Mauritius, producing wind gusts of 107 km/h (67 mph).
*November 25, 2003 – Cyclone Beni (2003), Cyclone Beni dissipated north of the archipelago, bringing rainfall to Réunion.
*January 2, 2004 – Tropical Storm Darius (2004), Severe Tropical Storm Darius passed just 15 km (9 mi) east of Mahébourg, Mauritius. Heavy rainfall – peaking at – helped end drought conditions on the island.
*February 1, 2004 – The interaction of cyclones Cyclone Elita, Elita and Cyclone Frank (2004), Frank produced high waves on the western shores of Mauritius and Réunion.
*March 5, 2004 – While intensifying into the List of the most intense tropical cyclones, most intense tropical cyclone in the basin, Cyclone Gafilo dropped of rainfall on Réunion, well to the south of the storm's center.
*May 16, 2004 – former Tropical Storm Juba (2004), Tropical Storm Juba passed just west of Rodrigues, dropping beneficial rainfall to an area facing drought conditions.
*February 2, 2005 – The monsoon depression, monsoonal depression that later became Tropical Storm Gerard (2005), Tropical Storm Gerard passed over Rodrigues.
*March 24, 2005 – Tropical Storm Hennie (2005), Severe Tropical Storm Hennie passed about 140 km (85 mi) east of Mauritius. The storm dropped heavy rainfall in the Mascarene Islands, including a 24-hour precipitation total of in the mountainous peaks of Réunion.
*April 10, 2005 – Cyclone Juliet (2005), Cyclone Juliet approached within 215 km (130 mi) east of Rodrigues, and its strong winds heavily damaged 15 corn plantations on the island.
*January 24, 2006 – Developing Tropical Storm Boloetse (2006), Tropical Storm Boloetse dropped rainfall on the Mascarene Islands while passing west of the islands. On Mauritius, Vacoas-Phoenix, Vacoas recorded of rainfall over 24 hours.
*February 15, 2006 – A Tropical Storm 09 (2006), developing tropical storm dropped 1-in-50 year return period, rainfall rates on Réunion. A station in the capital Saint-Denis, Réunion, Saint-Denis recorded in just three hours, and over 48 hours, Le Brûlé recorded of precipitation.
*March 4, 2006 – Tropical Storm Diwa (2006), Tropical Storm Diwa passed northwest of Réunion, dropping torrential rainfall in the island's mountainous center. Grand-ÃŽlet recorded over four days. Diwa contributed to 10 deaths on Réunion – four due to road accidents, three from using generators inside their homes, two due to a landslide, and one related to flooding.
*January 1, 2007 – High waves from Tropical Storm Clovis (2007), Tropical Storm Clovis affected the north coast of Mauritius.
*February 6, 2007 – Tropical Storm Dora (2007), Tropical Storm Dora passed about 165 km (105 mi) east of Rodrigues, dropping of rainfall.
*February 9, 2007 – Tropical Storm Enok (2007), Severe Tropical Storm Enok brushed St. Brandon with gusts of and of rainfall. A day later, the storm approached within 25 km (15 mi) east of Rodrigues, producing gusts of and dropping of rainfall.
*February 15, 2007 – Cyclone Favio passed about 120 km (75 mi) north-northwest of Rodrigues, resulting in beneficial rainfall. Port Sud Est recorded of rainfall, and wind gusts reached .

*February 23, 2007 – Cyclone Gamede began dropping rainfall on Réunion, and for the next several days the storm meandered to the northwest of the island. Over a four-day period from February 24–28, Commerson Crater in Réunion's mountainous interior recorded of rainfall, breaking the world record for the most precipitation recorded over 72 hours and 96 hours, set previously during Cyclone Hyacinthe in 1980. Over a nine-day period, the same station recorded . The rains caused flooding that washed out a bridge near Saint-Louis, Réunion, Saint-Louis, with the cost estimated at €20 million (2007 Euro, EUR, $26 million 2007 USD). Two people died on Réunion while attempting to cross flooded roads. The storm also dropped amounts of rainfall on St. Brandon and Mauritius. Gamede caused two fatalities and left 70% of Mauritius without power.
*March 8, 2007 – Developing Cyclone Indlala passed just north of St. Brandon, where of rainfall was recorded.
*April 1, 2007 – Cyclone Jaya (2007), Cyclone Jaya passed north of St. Brandon, where of rainfall was reported.
*December 17, 2007 – Tropical Storm Celina (2007), Tropical Storm Celina's passage south of Rodrigues resulted in boating damage and beneficial rainfall, peaking at . Celina's rainfall contributed to a traffic fatality on Réunion, where precipitation reached in Plaine des Chicots.
*January 8, 2008 – A Tropical Disturbance 07 (2008), tropical disturbance dropped heavy rainfall on Mauritius.
*February 1, 2008 – Tropical Storm Fame (2008), Tropical Storm Fame stalls southwest of Réunion, producing high waves and wind gusts of on the island.
*February 23, 2008 – former Cyclone Hondo traversed Réunion as a tropical disturbance, 16 days after Hondo became an intense tropical cyclone. Heavy rainfall associated with the storm reached in the volcanic peak of the island.
*March 22, 2008 – Tropical Storm Lola (2008), Tropical Storm Lola weakened to a tropical depression while stalling north of Mauritius. The storm dropped heavy rainfall on the island, which contributed to four deaths.
*February 4, 2009 – Intensifying Cyclone Gael (2009), Cyclone Gael passed north of Rodrigues and south of St. Brandon; a station in the latter island recorded of rainfall. An intense rainband struck Réunion while Gael traversed the waters between the island and Madagascar, with the highest wind gust – – and rainfall – recorded in the volcanic peak. The cyclone caused two fatalities on Réunion.
*April 6, 2009 – Tropical Storm Jade (2009), Severe Tropical Storm Jade struck northeastern Madagascar, but its outer rainbands dropped rainfall on Réunion on two separate occasions, reaching . Flooding left over €15 million (U$20 million) in damage.
*December 28, 2009 – The dissipating remnants of Tropical Storm David (2009), Tropical Storm David brought over of rainfall to La Fournaise, Réunion.

2010s

*February 20, 2010 – Weakening Cyclone Gelane (2010), Cyclone Gelane moved between Mauritius and Rodrigues, dropping of rainfall on the latter island.
*March 7, 2010 – The formative stages of Tropical Storm Hubert produced an area of thunderstorms from Réunion to Madagascar.
*March 19, 2011 – Tropical Storm Cherono (2011), Tropical Storm Cherono passed just south of Rodrigues, producing gusty winds.
*January 21, 2012 – A teenager was electrocuted during the passage of Tropical Storm Ethel (2012), Tropical Storm Ethel.
*February 11, 2012 – The passage of Cyclone Giovanna to the north caused the airport and port to be closed in Mauritius.
*February 21, 2012 – The approach of Tropical Storm Hilwa (2012), Tropical Storm Hilwa brought gusty winds to Rodrigues.
*January 3, 2013 – Cyclone Dumile (2013), Tropical Cyclone Dumile passed west of Réunion, producing wind gusts of . The winds caused power outages that killed one person. Agricultural damage totaled Euro, €31 million (US$41.3 million).
*January 31, 2013 – High winds and rainfall from Cyclone Felleng (2013), Cyclone Felleng left 11,200 homes without power on Réunion.
*April 15, 2013 – For several days, Cyclone Imelda (2013), Cyclone Imelda approached Rodrigues, dropping of rainfall.
*December 21, 2013 – Cyclone Amara made its closest approach to Rodrigues, producing winds. About 80% of the island lost power.
*January 2, 2014 – Cyclone Bejisa passed just west of Réunion, dropping of rainfall at Cilaos. The heavy rains left €63 million (US$85.2 million) in agriculture damage on the island. One person died from head trauma while 16 people were injured in various incidents.
*February 6, 2014 – Tropical Storm Edilson (2014), Tropical Storm Edilson passed just east of Mauritius, dropping of rainfall.
*January 14, 2015 – Intensifying Cyclone Bansi (2014), Cyclone Bansi produced wind gusts and flooded the entirety of Île Raphael in St. Brandon. The cyclone also affected Mauritius and Rodrigues, dropping of rainfall in the latter island.
*January 17, 2015 – Tropical Storm Chedza emerged from Madagascar into the Indian Ocean, bringing a plume of moisture over Réunion that reached in Salazie.
*March 9, 2015 – Tropical Storm Haliba (2015), Tropical Storm Haliba dropped heavy rainfall on Réunion, with recorded in one hour, and a total of recorded over four days. The rains closed roads on the island and caused mudslides on nearby Mauritius.
*February 10, 2016 – Tropical Storm Daya (2016), Tropical Storm Daya intensified while moving away from Réunion and Mauritius, bringing over of rainfall to both islands, which damaged homes on Mauritius.
*February 8, 2017 – Tropical Storm Carlos (2017), Tropical Storm Carlos passed west of the archipelago, leaving 4,000 people without power on Réunion, and causing flooding on Mauritius.
*January 18, 2018 – While passing southeast of Mauritius and Réunion, Cyclone Berguitta (2018), Cyclone Berguitta caused flooding and produced 120 km/h (75 mph) winds, which knocked down trees and left over 72,000 people without power.
*March 5, 2018 – Cyclone Dumazile (2018), Cyclone Dumazile passed between Réunion and Madagascar, producing flooding rainfall and gusty winds on the former island.
*March 18, 2018 – High waves from Tropical Storm Eliakim (2018), Tropical Storm Eliakim affected coastal roads in Réunion, and wind gusts reached on the island.
*April 24, 2018 – Cyclone Fakir (2018), Cyclone Fakir passed just east of Réunion, causing €15 million (US$17 million) in damage and killing two people due to a landslide. A late-season storm, Fakir dropped of rainfall in a 24-hour period, as well as producing wind gusts. The heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides.
*December 23, 2018 – Cyclone Cilida (2018), Cyclone Cilida passed east of Mauritius, bringing beneficial rainfall as well as gusty winds that knocked down tree branches.
*February 7, 2019 – The threat from Cyclone Funani (2019), Cyclone Funani prompted officials to cancel flights on Rodrigues.
*February 10, 2019 – Cyclone Gelena (2019), Cyclone Gelena passed just southwest of Rodrigues, producing strong winds that left 90% of the island without power.
*March 27, 2019 – The eye of Cyclone Joaninha approached within 80 km (50 mi) of Rodrigues, producing wind gusts of and nearly of precipitation. Joaninha damaged more than 100 houses and caused widespread power outages.

Climatological statistics

Notes

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mascarene Islands
Tropical cyclones in the Mascarene Islands,
Lists of tropical cyclones by area
South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclones