Vanuatu/New Caledonia/Australia: Tropical Cyclone Oma moving west Feb. 14 /update 1

Event

Tropical Cyclone Oma is forecast to move southwest of Vanuatu and west of New Caledonia over the coming days as of Thursday, February 14. As of Thursday evening (local time), the center of the storm was located at 15.5°S, 165.2°E, packing maximum sustained winds of 102 km/h (63 mph), and moving south-southwestward at 13 km/h (8 mph).

The center of the storm is forecast to continue passing southwestward away from Vanuatu and west of New Caledonia over the coming hours and days, while intensifying over the Coral Sea to bear maximum sustained winds of 139 km/h (86 mph) by Tuesday evening, February 19. The storm is generally forecast to approach the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales (Australia) beyond Tuesday evening.

Context

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

Advice

Individuals present in the region are advised to monitor local weather reports and follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, 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.