Tropical Cyclone Niran brought wind and rain to New Caledonia on Friday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Niran was located at latitude 21.8°S and longitude 165.0°E which put it about 165 miles (265 km) west-northwest of Noumea, New Caledonia. Niran was moving toward the east-southeast at 29 m.p.h. (46 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 955 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Niran weakened during its approach to New Caledonia. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the original eye and eyewall, and concentric eyewalls formed. The maximum sustained wind speed decreased when the original, stronger eyewall weakened. Even though it weakened, Tropical Cyclone Niran was still the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Niran. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Niran was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 24.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.7. Niran was capable of causing major damage.

The core of Tropical Cyclone Niran was passing just to the west of New Caledonia. The strongest winds around the core of Niran were remaining just west of the island. Tropical Cyclone Niran was producing gusty winds and it was dropping locally heavy rain over New Caledonia. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

An upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Niran toward the east-southeast during the next two days. Niran will continue to weaken during that time period. The upper level trough will cause vertical wind shear and Tropical Cyclone Niran will move over cooler water. Weather conditions on New Caledonia should improve on Saturday when Niran moves rapidly away from the area.