Vanuatu weather office issues warning as TC Zena moves east southeast

The Vanuatu Meteorological Office has issued a tropical cyclone warning for Torba, Penama, Malampa and Shefa provinces as Tropical Cyclone Zena continues to move in an east southeast direction in the open waters between Vanuatu and Solomon islands.

In its sixth warning issued at 9.43am today, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department in Port Vila warned at 9:00am local time, category 2 cyclone was located at 17.4 degrees South 171.4 degrees east. In Vanuatu’s local cyclone tracking map, it is positioned at the center of square letter K, number 7 (K,7. This is about 325 KM east of Efate and 290 KM east northeast of Erromango.

In the past 3 hours, Tropical Cyclone Zena continued to move in an east southeast direction at 57 KM/HR (31 knots).

The department says the central pressure of the system is estimated at 985 hPa. Winds close to the centre are estimated at 95 KM/HR (50 knots).

Tropical Cyclone Zena is forecast to be at 18.9 degrees South 175.7 degrees East within the next 06 to 12 hours.

It warned that strong to gale force winds of 55 to 75 km/hr will continue to affect Torba, Penama, Malampa and Shefa provinces today. Winds over these areas will gradually weaken as the system continues to move further east southeast.

The Meteorology and geohazards office says heavy rainfall and thunderstorms will continues to affect Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa and Shefa provinces. Flash flooding over low lying areas and areas close to river banks. Seas will remain rough to very rough over these area with heavy swells.

Meanwhile, the northern islands have reported severe destructive winds in their area. In Luganville, some banana trees and other trees have been flattened. Winds have also sent iron sheets that are not nailed flying in the air.

 The department is appealing to people in Torba, Penama, Malampa and Shefa to continue to listen to all radio outlets to get the latest information on this system.

Loop Pacific