The Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has confirmed that a Tropical Cyclone Idai, which is brewing in Mozambique, is expected to hit Zimbabwe over the weekend.
The cyclone is accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms and is likely to cause massive destruction in Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland provinces.
MSD head of forecasting, Tich Zinyemba on Monday said:
Idai, the tropical cyclone is currently positioned in central Mozambique channels and is slowly progressing towards the Mozambique coast. It is expected to make landfall most probably on Friday or Saturday.
Its leading edge is likely to be felt on Friday or Saturday in Manicaland. We are constantly monitoring its (path) and will issue an advisory today (Tuesday) given the unpredictable nature of these systems.
A tropical cyclone is a low-pressure weather phenomenon that forms over oceans when the water temperature is at least 26 degrees Celsius.
As it migrates westwards, the cyclone generates torrential rains and exceedingly strong winds resulting in flooding and destruction of infrastructure along its path.