New Caledonia: Tropical Cyclone Gita to affect island Feb. 15 /update 1

Event

Authorities warned on Thursday, February 15, that Tropical Cyclone Gita was forecast to affect parts of the island after the storm was upgraded to a category five cyclone (the highest alert level on a five-tier system) the day prior. As of February 15, the system is moving in a west-south-westerly direction and is expected to pass near southern Vanuatu.

No landfall is forecast for New Caledonia, but the island is expected to face strong winds, heavy rain, and large swells. Flight disruptions (delays, cancelations) are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Cyclone Gita brought severe flooding and associated damages to Samoa and American Samoa before striking Tonga and Fiji February 13-14, where widespread damage (houses flattened, crops destroyed) was reported. Samoa declared a state of emergency and US President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for American Samoa on February 11.

Cyclone season in the region typically lasts from November to April but storms can occur outside this period.

Advice

Individuals present in New Caledonia are advised to monitor local weather reports and follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.