New Caledonia on cyclone alert

Last Updated: Fri, 14 Jan 2011 07:39:00 +1100

New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands were on maximum alert for Cyclone Vania after it brought gale-force winds to Vanuatu.

The cyclone is currently menacing the Loyalty Islands and has been upgraded to a category three system.

Low-lying areas have been evacuated, businesses and schools are closed, and residents have been warned to take shelter and avoid coastal areas.

Misaeli Funaki from the Fiji Met Office says Noumea can expect to feel the brunt of Vania by midday, with hurricane-force winds developing over the capital during the afternoon.

"We're forecasting for winds of around 65 knots within and 30 nautical miles of the centre and we are maintaining that for the next 24 hours," he said.

The New Caledonian domestic airline grounded all flights until further notice.

The weather bureau said it received widespread reports of low-level damage but communication with some islands, including Tanna, was cut after a phone tower was blown over.

Low-lying areas have been evacuated, businesses and schools are closed, and residents have been warned to take shelter and avoid coastal areas.

Cyclone Vania is expected to strengthen in the afternoon before moving over open water and heading south.

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