Tropical Cyclone “Fili” intensifying, heavy rainfall and strong winds affecting New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone “Fili” is intensifying as it moves over the Coral Sea, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and high waves to New Caledonia. While the system is not expected to make landfall over the country, heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds and high waves are forecast through April 7.

At 00:00 UTC on April 6, Fili’s maximum sustained winds were 83 km/h (52 mph) but by 06:00 UTC they intensified to 100 km/h (62 mph).

At the time, its center was located about 400 km (250 miles) NW of Noumea, New Caledonia, and the system was moving ESE at 18 km/h (11 mph).¹

Heavy rainfall, strong winds and high waves have been reported across the country, especially in the northern areas.

Six municipalities in northern New Caledonia, including Belep, are under Alert 2, as the population must remain confined at home, while all professional, educational and commercial activities are interrupted.²

Fili is forecast to continue moving south over the Coral Sea on April 6 and 7, passing west of New Caledonia, with maximum sustained winds up to 95 – 110 km/h (60 – 70 mph).

Alert 2 will remain in effect for the northern areas of New Caledonia, while a Tropical Cyclone pre-alert is maintained over the rest of the country.

References:

¹ JOINT TYPHOON WRNCEN PEARL HARBOR HI – TROPICAL CYCLONE 23P (FILI) WARNING NR 009

² Tropical Storm FILI – GDACS, JTWC, New Caledonia Civil Security Direction, Meteo France New Caledonia – ECHO Daily Flash – 06 April 2022

Featured image credit: Tropical Cyclone “Fili” at 05:40 UTC on April 6, 2022. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8, RAMMB/CIRA, TW