Cyclone Garance hit Réunion Island on Friday. Wind speeds reached 166 kilometers per hour. The cyclone is equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane. It struck the island’s northern coast. Réunion is a French territory in the Indian Ocean. The island is 400 miles from Madagascar. Garance is the strongest storm since 1989. That year, Cyclone Firinga hit the island. A purple cyclone warning was issued. This is the highest danger level. It was later downgraded to red. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected. Waves are reaching dangerous heights. Wind gusts may reach 200 km/h. Rainfall could exceed 200 mm. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors. Rescue teams are on high alert. Weather conditions will improve by Saturday. Damage assessment will begin after the storm.