View across the Outer Harbour of Stornoway

Monday 10 March 2014

Hurricane update - 10 March

It's March? Compare that to September in the Atlantic hurricane season.

No fewer than three tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean today.

17P / Gillian is over the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia, but will pass back into the Gulf of Carpentaria where it will intensify to 50 knots. The storm will make landfall in 3 days' time.

A Cyclone WARNING continues for coastal areas from Gilbert River Mouth to Aurukun; A Cyclone WATCH continues for coastal and island communities from Burketown to Port McArthur, including Borroloola.

18P / Lusi is slow moving in Vanuatu, also affecting portions of the Solomon Islands. This storm will intensify to at least 85 knots as it moves southeast, later south towards New Zealand. Although the storm will no longer be a tropical cyclone upon approach to NZ, it will still carry an impact there.

Solomon Islands: A tropical cyclone watch is in force for Temotu, Makira, Rennell & Bellona, southern Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces.

Vanuatu: Gale force winds are expected to continue to affect Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa Provinces

Met New Zealand anticipates severe gales across the North Island over the coming weekend.

19P / Hadi is moving away from Queensland, but will track eastward, between the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu towards Fiji, intensifying to at least 55 knots.