Vanuatu's weather authorities say the cyclone is located about 205 kilometres east northeast of Sola in the northernmost province of Torba.
It's moving in a west southwest direction at 29 kilometres an hour.
RNZI reports damaging gale force winds gusting up to 165 kilometres an hour are expected to affect the provinces of Torba, Penama and Sanma in the next 24 hours.
Heavy rainfall and flash and coastal flooding are also expected.
