After developing a well-defined eye, Nadia intensified to reach winds of 175 km/h (110 mph (10 minute sustained)) early on 22 March, according to Météo-France (MF).

In contrast, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated winds of about 220 km/h (140 mph 1 minute sustained).

On 23 March, the cyclone struck northern Madagascar, causing flooding and localized damage where it moved ashore.

A disturbance in the Indian Ocean Intertropical Convergence Zone became evident southeast of the Chagos Archipelago on 16 March after two cyclones moved away from the region.

Based on analysis from Météo-France, the system slowly organized while moving westward, its movement influenced by a subtropical ridge to the south.

[2] Due to cool, dry air, the system initially did not intensify, although its passage over warmer sea surface temperatures on 19 March allowed for strengthening.

At about 0100 UTC on 23 March, Nadia made landfall on northern Madagascar near Vohemar, having weakened slightly from its peak.

With warm temperatures, the storm re-intensified slightly after entering the Mozambique Channel, and it passed about 100 km (62 mi) south of Mayotte at 1900 UTC on 23 March.

The storm turned to the south and re-emerged into the Mozambique Channel late on 26 March near the mouth of the Zambezi River.

After reaching a position about halfway between Mozambique and Madagascar, Nadia turned to the southwest on 1 April and lost its remaining convection.

In Vohemar where it moved ashore, the storm destroyed most public buildings, although local churches provided assistance in the aftermath.

[7] Upon striking Mozambique, Nadia produced heavy rains and strong wind gusts, causing widespread tree damage and flooding.

About 130 km (81 mi) of power lines were cut between Nampula and Nacala, and widespread road and bridge damage disrupted transportation.

[8] Some residents who evacuated during the country's civil war returned late to assist in harvesting the remaining crops.

[12] Many secondary roads remained blocked in the weeks after the storm, forcing relief supplies to be transported by boat.