Extra-tropical low forms near New Zealand, TC Edna struck New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Edna struck New Caledonia around 00:00 UTC on February 5, 2014. Amber Alert was in affect for the whole southern province, Yellow Alert was in effect for the rest of the country.

At  09:00 UTC today, Tropical Cyclone Edna was located approximately 89 NM / 164 km west of Noumea, New Caledonia, and has tracked south-southwestward at 20 KT / 37 km/h over the past six hours. 

This infrared image of Tropical Storm Edna was taken by NOAA's polar orbiting satellite, NOAA-19 on February 4 at 14:43 UTC. 

According to latest JTWC warning for TC Edna [final], issued 21:00 UTC, the system was located approximately 264 NM / 488 km south of Noumea, New Caledonia, and has tracked southward at 21 knots over the past six hours.

Recent animated infrared satellite imagery depicts weakening convection associated with the system has significantly sheared off to the southeast. A 05/16:22 UTC NOAA-18 microwave image reveals shallow convection with dry air surrounding the circulation.

The combined effects of strong vertical wind shear and cold temperature have weakened Edna. 

Extra-tropical low forms near New Zealand

NASA's Aqua satellite spotted two storms in one image in the Southern Pacific Ocean as Tropical Cyclone Edna brushes by New Caledonia and an extra-tropical storm lingers west of New Zealand.

AIRS data showed that the strongest storms associated with it were southeast of the center.

The low is expected to move to the north and the west and away from New Zealand, according to the New Zealand Met Service or NZMS. NZMS noted that high pressure located to the southeast of New Zealand is expected to push the extra-tropical low away. (GODDARD)

Extra-tropical low near New Zealand – February 5, 2014. NASA / Aqua

Featured image: Extra-tropical low near New Zealand on February 6, 2014. Image credit: NASA / Aqua