Coral Sea: Tropical Cyclone Fili tracking south-southeastward late April 7; continued close approach to New Caledonia April 7 /update 3

Event

Tropical Cyclone Fili is tracking south-southeastward in the Coral Sea as of late April 7. As of 17:00 NCT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 181 km (112 miles) southwest of Noumea, New Caledonia. Forecast models indicate the system will weaken slightly as it continues to track south-southeastward, moving past the southern part of the west coast of New Caledonia late April 7. The storm system is then forecast to continue to weaken slightly as it turns to track in a more southeastward direction as it moves south of New Caledonia April 8, before becoming a subtropical low pressure system early April 9. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

Disruptions have been reported across New Caledonia as of late April 7 due to the impact of the storm system. Two houses were damaged by fallen trees in Belep and a small tornado caused damage in Lifou. Numerous roads across the territory have been made impassable by flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Sections of the RT1 are closed in Bourail and Pouembout and other road, bridge, and raft closures have been reported in Belep, Bolouparis, Dumbea, Farino, Houailou, Kone, Kouaoua, Koumac, La Foa, Moindou, Nera, Ouvea, Poum, Sarramea, and Voh municipalities. Passenger and freight ferry services between Grande Terre and Belep islands have been suspended April 5-7 and Rai bus services have canceled all services across the territory April 7. Air Caledonie is maintaining its planned flight schedule April 7; however, has warned some routes may be delayed for passenger safety. As of late April 7, the electricity provider Enercal has reported that 2,911 homes are without electricity across Hienghene, Poindimie, Ponerihouen, and Touhou municipalities, whilst EEC has reported that 1,505 customers are without supply in Bourail, Canala, Kaala Gomen, Koumac, and Mont Dore municipalities. Parts of Kone and Voh are reported to be without water supply as of late April 7. Several provincial parks and Noure beach in Dumbea remain closed in South Province April 7. Emergency shelters have been established in Belep, Kone, Koumac, Poum, Thio, and Voh.

Government Advisories
Authorities lifted all cyclone warnings across New Caledonia at 16:00 NCT April 7; however, severe weather warnings remain in place across the territory. As of late April 7, the following warnings are in effect:

• Orange heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Boulouparis, Bourail, Canala, Dumbea, Farino, Houailou, Kouaoua, La Foa, Moindou, Mont Dore, Noumea, Paita, Ponerihouen, Poya, Sarramea, Thio, and Yate municipalities.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Bourail, Kone, Pouembout, Poya, and Voh municipalities.

• Orange strong swell warnings: Boulouparis, Bourail, Canala, Dumbea, Houailou, Ile des Pins, Kouaoua, La Foa, Lifou, Mare, Moindou, Mont Dore, Noumea, Ouvea, Paita, Ponerihouen, Pouembout, Poya, Thio, and Yate municipalities.

• Yellow heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: Belep, Hienghene, Ile des Pins, Kaala Gomen, Kone, Koumac, Lifou, Mare, Ouegoa, Ouvea, Poindimie, Pouebo, Pouembout, Poum, Touhou, and Voh municipalities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Belep, Boulouparis, Canala, Dumbea, Hienghene, Houailou, Farino, Ile des Pins, Kaala Gomen, Kouaoua, Koumac, La Foa, Lifou, Mare, Moindou, Mont Dore, Noumea, Ouegoa, Ouvea, Paita, Poindimie, Ponerihouen, Pouebo, Poum, Sarramea, Thio, Touhou, and Yate municipalities.

• Yellow strong swell warnings: Belep, Hienghene, Kaala Gomen, Kone, Koumac, Ouegoa, Poindimie, Poum, Touhou, and Voh municipalities.

The heaviest rainfall has been reported in northern regions; however, over the next 24 hours precipitation amounts are expected to ease in the north whilst increasing in southern areas. Strong winds with gusts of up to 100 kph (62 mph) are expected between Bourail and Voh late April 7 and similar to the rainfall levels the wind intensity will begin to ease in the north and strengthen in the south into April 8. Rough seas with waves of 4-5 meters (13-16 feet) are expected in southern coastal areas, including the Loyalty Islands.

Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

Transport
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at airports in the region, including La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) in Noumea, 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 and cholera. 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 or typhoon conditions. Heed all evacuation orders. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the high 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 any 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.

Resources

Meteo France Nouvelle Caledonie (French)