Tag Archives: Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Lola Hits Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Lola hit Vanuatu on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lola was located at latitude 16.0°S and longitude 167.5°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) east of Norsup, Vanuatu. Lola was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Lola was the equivalent of a major hurricane when it hit the central part of Vanuatu on Tuesday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Lola’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Lola was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.7. Tropical Cyclone Lola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Lola will move across Malekula during the next few hours. The strong winds in the eastern side of Lola’s circulation will hit Malekula, Ambrym and Epi. Tropical Cyclone Lola is capable of causing regional major damage. Heavy rain will also fall on Malekula, Ambrym and Epi. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some location. Lola could cause a storm surge of up to ten feet (three meters) along the north coasts of Malekula, Ambrym and Epi, when the wind blows the water toward the land.

Tropical Cyclone Lola will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for a strong tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Lola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. An upper level trough over the Coral Sea will approach Lola from the west. The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Lola’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Tropical Cyclone Lola is likely to weaken when the wind shear increases.

Tropical Storm Lola Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Lola rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Pacific Ocean northeast of Vanuatu on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lola was located at latitude 13.7°S and longitude 169.6°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) east of Sola, Vanuatu. Lola was moving toward the south-southeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 948 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Lola rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Monday morning. A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) was at the center of Lola’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Lola. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that large quantities of pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Lola. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Lola was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensiy Size Index (HWISI) was 35.7. Tropical Cyclone Lola was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Tropical Cyclone Lola will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 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 could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours. An upper level trough over the Coral Sea will approach Lola from the west later today. The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Lola’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Tropical Cyclone Lola could start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

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 southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Lola will approach Vanuatu during the next 24hours. Lola will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Espiritu Santo, Maewo, Ambae, Pentecost, Ambrym and Malekula. Tropical Cyclone Lola will be capable of causing regional major damage. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Lola could cause a storm surge of up to ten feet (three meters) in some places.

Tropical Cyclone Lola Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Lola rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Pacific Ocean northeast of Vanuatu on Sunday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lola was located at latitude 12.7°S and longitude 169.3°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) east-northeast of Sola, Vanuatu. Lola was moving toward the south-southeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Lola rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Sunday evening. A circular eye with a diameter of 35 miles (55 km) formed at the center of Lola’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Lola. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Lola’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

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 during the next 24 hours. Lola could intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

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 just to the east of northern Vanuatu. Lola will bring gusty 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. Lola could be near Espiritu Santo in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Lola Forms North Of Vanuatu

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.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin Brings Wind and Rain to Southern Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Kevin brought wind and rain to southern Vanuatu on Friday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin was located at latitude 19.0°S and longitude 169.2°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) south-southeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Kevin was moving toward the southeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin brought strong winds and locally heavy rain to southern Vanuatu on Friday morning. Kevin was affecting the same area that was hit by Tropical Cyclone Judy earlier this week. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Kevin’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Kevin was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 31.1. Tropical Cyclone Kevin was similar in size and intensity to Tropical Cyclone Judy.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin strengthened as it moved over southern Vanuatu on Friday morning. A circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was at the center of Kevin’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Kevin. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Kevin will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. An upper level trough east of Australia will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kevin’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification during the rest of today. Tropical Cyclone Kevin is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours. Kevin could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane. The vertical wind shear will increase and Kevin will move over cooler water during the weekend. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

The upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Kevin toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin will move away from Port Vila and Efate during the next few hours. Kevin will continue to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Port Vila and Efate until it moves farther away. Port Vila and Efate were just hit by Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will hinder efforts to recover from Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will also bring wind and rain to Erromango, Tanna and Aneityum during the next 24 hours. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Judy was making a transition to an extratropical cyclone southwest of Tonga. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 26.5°S and longitude 178.7°W which put it about 460 miles (740 km) southwest of Tonga. Judy was moving toward the east-southeast at 30 m.p.h. (48 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin Strengthens to Equivalent of a Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Kevin strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Coral Sea west of Vanuatu on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin was located at latitude 16.7°S and longitude 166.1°E which put it about 195 miles (310 km) west-northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Kevin was moving toward the southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin strengthened west of Vanuatu on Thursday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Kevin’s circulation. A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) formed at the center of circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Kevin. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the the northern side of Kevin’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 190 miles (305 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Kevin 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 over the eastern Coral Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will intensify the next 24 hours. Kevin could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

An upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Kevin toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin will pass west of Espiritu Santo and Malekula during the next few hours. Kevin will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Espiritu Santo and Malekula. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. The center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin will pass near Port Vila, Vanuatu in 12 hours. Kevin will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Port Vila and Efate. Port Vila and Efate were just hit by Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will hinder efforts to recover from Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will bring wind and rain to Erromango, Tanna and Aneityum on Friday.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Judy was passing south-southwest of Fiji. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 25.4°S and longitude 177.3°E which put it about 495 miles (795 km) south-southwest of Suva, Fiji. Judy was moving toward the east-southeast at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 969 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin Forms West of Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Kevin formed over the Coral Sea west of Vanuatu on Wednesday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin was located at latitude 14.8°S and longitude 163.2°E which put it about 430 miles (695 km) west-northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Kevin was moving toward the east-southeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 991 mb.

A low pressure system over the Coral Sea west of Vanuatu strengthened on Wednesday and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Kevin. The circulation Tropical Cyclone Kevin organized quickly. The inner end or a rainband wrapped around the northern and eastern sides of the center of Kevin’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin. 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 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Kevin.

Tropical Cyclone Kevin will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Kevin 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 over the Coral Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will rapidly intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours. Kevin could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane within 36 hours.

An upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Kevin toward the east-southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin will pass west of Espiritu Santo and Malekula during the next 24 hours. Kevin will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Espiritu Santo and Malekula. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. The center of Tropical Cyclone Kevin could pass near Port Vila, Vanuatu within 36 hours. Kevin could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it passes near Port Vila. Tropical Cyclone Kevin could bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Port Vila and Efate. Port Vila and Efate were just hit by Tropical Cyclone Judy. Tropical Cyclone Kevin will hinder efforts to recover from Tropical Cyclone Judy.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Judy moved quickly away from Vanuatu. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 22.9°S and longitude 172.9°E which put it about 450 miles (650km) east of Noumea, New Caledonia. Judy was moving toward the southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 964 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Judy Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to Port Vila

Tropical Cyclone Judy brought strong winds and heavy rain to Port Vila, Vanuatu on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 18.7°S and longitude 168.9°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) south-southeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Judy was moving toward the southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Judy brought strong winds and heavy rain to Port Vila, Vanuatu on Tuesday night when the core of Judy’s circulation passed just east of Efate. A weather station at Bauer Field airport near Port Vila reported a sustained wind speed of 57 m.p.h. (92 km/h) and a wind gust of 91 m.p.h. (146 km/h). A weather station also reported a pressure of 961 mb.

A small circular eye with a diameter of 8 miles (13 km) was at the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. 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 hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (230 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 19.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 31.2. Tropical Cyclone Judy was very similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Judy will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Judy will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough east of Australia. The trough will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Judy’s circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the northwest and there will not be enough vertical wind shear to cause Tropical Cyclone Judy to weaken. Judy is likely to intensify during the next 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone Judy will move into a more unfavorable environment later on Wednesday. Judy will start to move over cooler water. The upper level trough east of Australia will move closer to Judy and the upper level winds will get stronger. Tropical Cyclone Judy will start to weaken when it moves over cooler water and the vertical wind shear increases.

The upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Judy toward the southeast during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Judy will move away from Efate on Wednesday. Tropical Cyclone Judy will continue to cause strong winds and heavy rain in Port Vila and Efate during the next few hours. The weather conditions on Efate will improve when Tropical Cyclone Judy moves farther away. Judy will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Erromango, Tanna and Aneityum during the next 12 to 24 hours. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Judy Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Judy intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near Vanuatu on Tuesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy was located at latitude 16.1°S and longitude 168.4°E which put it about 150 miles (245 km) north of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Judy was moving toward the south at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 974 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Judy intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near Pentecost and Ambrym on Tuesday morning. The center of Judy’s circulation was about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Toak. A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) was at the center of Tropical Cyclone Judy. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. 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.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Judy was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Judy’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 12.7. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 6.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 19.1.

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 during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Judy will move around the southwestern end of a high pressure system during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Judy toward the south during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Judy move near Port Vila in 12 hours. The center of Judy will pass near Epi, Efate, Erromango and Tanna.

Tropical Cyclone Judy will produce strong winds and locally heavy rain in Pentecost and Ambrym during the next few hours. 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. Strong winds and heavy rain will reach Epi and Efate during the next 12 hours. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force could occur near Port Vila within 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Judy Strengthens near Vanuatu

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.