Tropical Storm Lola formed over the South Pacific Ocean northern of Vanuatu during Saturday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lola was located at latitude 11.0°S and longitude 167.9°E which put it about 200 miles (320 km) northeast of Sola, Vanuatu. Sola was moving toward the south-southeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean north of Vanuatu strengthened during Saturday night and the system was designated as Tropical Cyclone Lola. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Lola was organizing quickly. Thunderstorms developed near the center of Lola’s circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Lola. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Lola’s circulation. Tropical storm force winds extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Lola.

Tropical Cyclone Lola will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Lola will intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours. Lola could intensify rapidly at times.

Tropical Cyclone Lola will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system centered northeast of New Zealand. The high pressure system will steer Lola toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Lola will move across northern Vanuatu. Lola will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Vanua Lava, Mota Lava, Mota, Ureparapara and Gaua. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Lola could cause a storm surge of seven feet (two meters) in some places.