Izilda

Tropical Cyclone Izilda strengthened rapidly early Thursday before reaching the southern Madagascar coast. Izilda's winds reached 75 mph as it moved onto the Madagascar coast south of Toliara. Izilda began as a weak tropical storm early Thursday with winds of 45 mph. However, it strengthened rapidly over the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. Izilda reached the coast late Friday morning local time. An estimated 4-8 inches of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours on the southwestern tip of Madagascar. Izilda is weakening, but it has stalled out. It will continue to pelt southwestern Madagascar with heavy rain while moving little through Friday. Izilda will eventually move back over the Mozambique channel this weekend. It is not out of the question that the cyclone maintains its intensity. by Accuweather.com Senior Meteorologist Dave Samuhel