Very intense Tropical Cyclone Pam has been moving over some of the southeastern islands of Vanuatu  during Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Pam was located at latitude 19.3°S and longitude 169.1°E which put ti about 10 miles northwest of Tanna, Vanuatu and about 120 miles northeast of Noumea, New Caledonia.  Pam was moving toward the south at 12 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. and it was estimated that there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h.  The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

The center of Pam moved very close to the islands of Efate, Erromango and Tanna.  Given the size and intensity of the circulation, it is likely that it caused significant damage on those islands.  Pam may have reached its peak intensity and there are some indications that it could be undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle.  Some fluctuation or decrease in intensity is likely during the next 24 hours.

The center of Pam is projected to pass east of New Caledonia.  However, it may get close enough to cause significant damage, especially to the islands of Ouvea, Lifou and Mare, which will be closer to the center of circulation.  Pam should begin to weaken more quickly as it moves farther south in the general direction of New Zealand.