Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department, has issued Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 3 for TORBA and SANMA today Wednesday 13 February 2019.
Tropical Cyclone OMA (CAT1) was located at 14.8 degrees South, 166.0 degrees East. This is about 180 KM southwest of Banks and 70 KM west northwest of Santo.
Tropical Cyclone OMA is position at the bottom right corner of square letter E, number 4 (E,4) of the Vanuatu Tropical Cyclone tracking map. Tropical Cyclone OMA (CAT1) moved in a east southeast direction at 17 KM/HR (9 knots) in the past 3 hours.
The central pressure of the system is estimated at 988 hPa. Winds close to the centre are estimated at 75 KM/HR (40 knots). Tropical Cyclone OMA (CAT1) is forecast to be at 15.0 degrees South 166.5 degrees East within the next 06 to 12 hours. Gale force winds of 75 KM/HR (40 knots) will continue to affect TORBA and SANMA tonight and tomorrow.
Damaging gale force winds and very rough seas with heavy swells will affect TORBA and SANMA.
People, including sea going vessels are strongly advised not to go out to sea until the system moves out of the area.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding over low lying areas and areas close to river banks, including coastal flooding will continue to affect these provinces. The marine strong wind warning and a high seas warning is current for northern and central waters.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) advices that red alert is now in effect for
TORBA and SANMA province and yellow alert for MALAMPA and PENAMA province.