28 Jan 2022 | 01:29 PM UTC
New Caledonia: Adverse weather forecast territorywide through at least Jan. 31
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast across New Caledonia through at least Jan. 31. Air and ground transport disruptions ongoing.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across New Caledonia through at least Jan. 31. The adverse weather is associated with a tropical low situated between the Loyalty Islands and western Vanuatu, which has a low chance of development into a moderate tropical depression. As of Jan. 28, Meteo France New Caledonia has issued orange (the middle tier on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings across the east coast, north, and south of the main island of Grand Terre, as well as Belep Island in the far north and other smaller islands off the coast of Grand Terre. Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the Loyalty Islands and the rest of Grand Terre. Authorities may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming day.
Disruptions due to the adverse weather are ongoing across parts of New Caledonia as of late Jan. 28. Air Caledonie canceled all flights in the afternoon Jan. 28 due to the severe weather and further disruptions to flights are likely over the coming days. Four people had to be rescued from floodwaters by firefighters in Yahoue on the northern outskirts of Noumea. In Dumbea municipality authorities have closed Dumbea Provincial Park and suspended the shuttle service until further notice. Sections of the RT1 in Dumbea and the road to Auteuil have been made impassable due to flooding. Several other roads, bridges, and ferry services have been closed across the territory, including Avenue des Deux Baies in Boulari. Bus services in Noumea have also been affected, with some lines suspended and others altering their timetables and routes.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to further transport disruptions throughout the region. Additional traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate other low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Floodwaters and related debris may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion.
The disruptive weather will likely cause further delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or debris is cleared. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements prior to travel in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
