Tropical Cyclone Judy strengthened near Vanuatu on Monday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 14.4°S and longitude 168.4°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) northeast of Naone, Vanuatu. Judy was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 986 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Judy strengthened over the Southwest Pacific Ocean near Maewo on Monday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern and southern sides of the center of Judy’s circulation. An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Judy’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Judy’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Judy will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Judy will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge near Vanuatu. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Judy will intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Judy will move around the western end of a high pressure system during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Judy toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Judy move over Maewo during the next few hours. The center of Judy will also pass near Pentecost, Ambrym, Epi, Efate, Erromango and Tanna. The center of Tropical Cyclone Judy could be near Port Vila in less than 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Judy will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it moves across Vanuatu. Judy will produce strong winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Judy will also cause a storm surge where the wind blows water toward the islands.