TC Lola to make landfall in Vanuatu, no direct threat to Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Lola is now a Category 3 tropical cyclone, tracking south-southeastward across the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of Vanuatu, and is expected to make landfall in Vanuatu later today.

Based on the current projections, TC Lola poses no threat to Fiji.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen further but remain at Category 3 tropical cyclone strength as it turns to track southwestwards and makes landfall over Maewo and Ambae islands, Vanuatu before weakening and making another landfall over far northern Malekula Island.

The Vanuatu Meteorological Service has issued a tropical cyclone warning; a red alert for Torba Province, a yellow alert for Sanma and Penama provinces, and a blue alert for Malampa Province.

Heavy rainfall with flash flooding is likely over low-lying areas and areas close to river banks, including coastal flooding, through Oct. 24. Very rough seas with heavy to phenomenal swells are forecast over all of Vanuatu waters. Authorities will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days as the storm progresses.

Source : crisis24