Vanuatu braces for impending Category 3 cyclone

Vanuatu is bracing for the impact of a Category 2 cyclone, which is expected to intensify to a Category 3 over the course of this week.

This was confirmed by Anthony Wong, the Weather Forecaster at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD). Tropical Cyclone (TC) Judy is moving in a south-southwesterly direction.

The cyclone is expected to move through the islands of Vanuatu starting from TORBA to TAFEA.

Wong stated that TORBA province should expect a Category 1 cyclone at around 11pm on the previous day, but the intensity of the cyclone is expected to rise to Category 2 from the morning up until lunch.

The cyclone’s intensity is predicted to increase to Category 3 when it moves through SHEFA and TAFEA, before decreasing back to Category 2 as it moves out of Vanuatu.

However, this prediction has yet to be confirmed. The VMGD has issued alerts to prepare people for the cyclone season. Blue alerts predict a cyclone that is expected after 48 hours, while a Yellow alert predicts a cyclone in the next 36 hours, and a Red alert predicts a cyclone that is expected within the next 24 hours.

People must be aware of what to expect during a cyclone, including heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and rough seas.

Wong also mentioned that another cyclone is expected to form, but it is likely to be a tropical low. However, a cyclone has formed in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia, and Vanuatu is also expected to be affected by it.