The people you see here now being urged to stay inside after the French overseas territory was placed under a maximum-level cyclone alert.
Authorities said at least one person, who was homeless and not in a safe shelter, died in the storms.
The exact cause of death was not yet confirmed.
Citizens have also been told to cut power, stop using tap water and stay in the safest room in their houses.
Under the so-called violet alert, France's most serious, even emergency services on the Indian Ocean island - east of Madagascar - are not allowed to leave their bases as of 6am local time.
According to Meteo France, France's national meteorological service, the storm is expected to reach its peak on Monday with wind speeds predicted to hit between 125 and 150 miles per hour.
Sea waves of up to 50 feet are also expected.
