08 Jan 2023 | 06:27 AM UTC
New Caledonia: Tropical Cyclone 07 tracking east-southeastwards in the South Pacific Ocean off New Caledonia as of Jan. 8 /update 1
Tropical Cyclone 07 tracking east-southeastwards in South Pacific Ocean off New Caledonia as of Jan. 8. No landfall projected.
Event
Tropical Cyclone 07 (also known as Hale) is tracking east-southeastwards in the South Pacific Ocean, Jan. 8. As of 11:00 NCT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 261 km (162miles) south of Noumea. Forecast models indicate the system will weaken into a Tropical Low by late Jan. 8 and further into an Extra Tropical system by Jan. 9 before dissipating. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.
Authorities in New Caledonia have issued an orange strong wind alert (second-highest on a four-tier system) for the Isle of Pines and the south-east of Grande-Terre provinces along with southern areas. A yellow heavy rain alert is also in effect across most of the country. Officials will likely issue warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
