Tropical Cyclone Oma Upgraded to Category 2 as it Approaches Vanuatu
Category: Natural Disasters
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
02/13/2019 (Vanuatu) - The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department has reported in its latest bulletin on Wednesday evening, Wednesday 13 February that tropical cyclone Oma has been upgraded to a Category 2 system as it heads towards the islands. At 1700hrs (0600 UTC) Oma was located around 50km (31 miles) southwest of Santo and 200km (124 miles) southwest of Sola and tracking in a southerly direction at 25km/h (16mph). Sustained winds at the centre of the storm system are currently reaching speeds of 95km/h (59mph) and while the storm system will only scrape the western edges of the island chain, gale force winds of around 75km/h (47mph) are expected to be felt in Torba, Sanma and Penama provinces over the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding over low lying areas are forecast in these provinces, as well as Malampa province overnight. Rough seas with heavy swells will be experienced as the storm moves through the area and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department has strongly advised sea going vessels not to go out to sea during this time. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has issued a red alert warning for Torba, Sanma, Penama and Mapalmpa provinces and a yellow alert for Shefa province. The NDMO is advising those in affected provinces to stay tuned to Radio Vanuatu and other radio outlets for the latest information on the storm system. School and businesses are reportedly shutting down as the cyclone passes.
Members in Vanuatu are advised to monitor local media sources and tune into local radio stations for weather-related updates and to remain apprised of disruption and warnings in their particular area of operations. Travellers should familiarise themselves with local emergency protocols and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Minimise time spent in low-lying flood-prone areas, valleys and unstable slopes susceptible to flash floods and landslides and coastal regions during the passing of the storm system.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.