Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam affects Vanuatu

Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam affects Vanuatu

At 6am this morning severe tropical cyclone Pam was located in the vicinity of the island Erromango in Vanuatu on a track south-southeast towards the island Tanna. Earlier this morning the center of Pam moved south over the east of Efate Island where the capital city, Port Vila is located. This is one of the most intense storms on record with a central pressure estimated at near 890 hectoPascals and sustained winds of around 250 kilometres per hour near the centre. Winds of this strength have the potential to cause catastrophic damage with dangerous flying debris and structural destruction. Pam is expected to move away from the Islands this evening.

Pam is then expected to take a south-easterly track and lie to the northeast of New Zealand on Sunday. Severe Weather Watches and Warnings have been issued for heavy rain, severe gales and dangerous coastal conditions over the north and east of the North Island. Please refer to the latest information issued by MetService for more information on its possible impact on New Zealand's weather.

ENDS

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