Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Rodrigues Island without power, roads impassable as Tropical Cyclone “Joaninha” moves over

Posted by Teo Blašković on March 27, 2019. Watchers.news

The center of Tropical Cyclone “Joaninha” passed very close to Rodrigues Island, Southwest Indian Ocean on March 26 and 27, 2019, producing strong southerly winds, heavy rain and large swells. This is the 13th named storm and 9th intense tropical cyclone of the record-breaking 2018/19 Southwest Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season.

At 12:00 UTC on March 26, Joaninha’s center was located about 159 km (99 miles) E of Port Mathurin, Mauritius. The system had maximum sustained winds near 213 km/h (132 mph) and was moving at 15 km/h (9.3 mph) through an area of warm waters which continued to fuel it.

At closest, it passed just 80 km (50 miles) from the island, bringing prolonged destructive winds and heavy rainfall.

Port Mathurin had wind gusts over 100 km/h (62 mph) for more than 33 hours, with the highest gust of 161 km/h (100 mph).

According to media reports, 408 people have been registered in shelters while strong winds cut electricity throughout the island and made roads impassable.

The island received more than 200 mm (7.87 inches) of rain and more is expected until March 28.

Tropical Cyclone “Gelena,” similar in size and strength to Joaninha, passed close to the island in February 2019, destroying 90% of its electricity grid.

Featured image: Tropical Cyclone “Joaninha” on March 26, 2019. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS